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  • #1

    Mastic!

    When I spent time in Greece I used to buy mastic for biscuits and breads. It was a gum of some kind, slightly opaque like quartz, and came in crumbly packets. Has anyone heard of it or used it in baking - do you know where I could find it in the UK? Feel a bikkie urge coming on
    SSx
    not every situation requires a big onion
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Did you use it as a stabiliser/emulsifier SS? I've heard of gum mastic being used as a fixative in pot pourri blends but never in cooking. Intrigued. Have you tried Xanthan Gum instead, available in Tescos/healthfood shops etc.
    Bright Blessings
    Earthbabe
    If at first you don't succeed, open a bottle of wine.

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    • #3
      Thank you earthbabe, it's a pungent gum, like asafoetida, not the purely emulsifying kind. A very special taste!

      Of course you got me googling and ta-daaaa! Wikipedia has details of what it is, where it grows, and how to use it!

      Now going googling in delis to see if someone stocks it online. Thank you for the nudge!
      Last edited by supersprout; 22-01-2007, 01:59 PM.
      SSx
      not every situation requires a big onion

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      • #4
        the only mastic I know is used for sealing windows
        ntg
        Never be afraid to try something new.
        Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
        A large group of professionals built the Titanic
        ==================================================

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        • #5
          I presume this is the same stuff listed at the top.

          http://www.baldwins.co.uk/perl/go.pl/shop/shop.html

          Seems rather expensive for cooking with though.
          Bright Blessings
          Earthbabe
          If at first you don't succeed, open a bottle of wine.

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by nick the grief View Post
            the only mastic I know is used for sealing windows
            Beat me to it Nic!
            My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
            to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

            Diversify & prosper


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            • #7
              Originally posted by Snadger View Post
              Beat me to it Nic!
              Or Bitu..........mastic?
              My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
              to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

              Diversify & prosper


              Comment

              • #8
                He he he well you do use it in tiny amounts in cooking earthbabe, like salt! Well done finding it. It looks like I'd have to sponge off friends visiting Greece, either that or go to a US distributor who will send me a little jar. On the wait list
                SSx
                not every situation requires a big onion

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                • #9
                  No probs SS

                  If I find it any cheaper I'll let you know.
                  Bright Blessings
                  Earthbabe
                  If at first you don't succeed, open a bottle of wine.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    A guy on ebay sells the stuff from Chios

                    Mastic

                    not cheap though.
                    To see a world in a grain of sand
                    And a heaven in a wild flower

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                    • #11
                      Thank you sbp, you're a star!
                      Bought a packet - it will go a loooong way, and the crystals last a long time
                      SSx
                      not every situation requires a big onion

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Hallo everyone & about the mastic

                        Hi everyone, Im new lovely community.
                        The mastica (dont know what it is exactly) can be found in shepherds bush market,w12. We use it in biscuits and cakes too, and we crumble it into a powder and sprinkle on hot coals gives a beautiful aroma.It is also used in perfumes and used as a natural deodrant. Never used it in cooking savoury though.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by supersprout View Post
                          Thank you earthbabe, it's a pungent gum, like asafoetida, not the purely emulsifying kind. A very special taste!

                          Of course you got me googling and ta-daaaa! Wikipedia has details of what it is, where it grows, and how to use it!

                          Now going googling in delis to see if someone stocks it online. Thank you for the nudge!
                          Just stumbled on this thread...I use mastic oil from time to time in my job as a lab tech. It is sometimes used in perfumery compounds, which I blend daily. It is a very pungent, dirty looking substance, a bit liker asafoetida, but not as pickled oniony...thats the only way I can describe it. I use possibly every known herb, spice and essential oil on the market today, so if anyone wants any advice, I will do my best to help...30 plus years in the industry rubs off on you.

                          Cheers
                          braders...

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                          • #14
                            Is it the thing they put in that special easter bread? My greek friend was telling me about it...

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                            • #15
                              yes! along with mahlepi (AKA mahleb) it's used in Tsoureki and Koulourakia biscuits

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