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Tea with the aroma of Chios mastic
Unique and sweet smelling, Chios mastic is one of the most fascinating products originating from Greece with its wide culinary and cosmetic character and a multitude of medical and pharmaceutical uses. It’s rare, sweet aroma and bitter-sweet taste together with the freshness of conifers make the mastic a unique product.
The mastic comes from the resinous secretion of the mastic tree or Pistacia Lentiscus var. Chia). The precious teardrop is cultivated and produced exclusively on the southern part of the island of Chios in the famed Mastichochoria (Mastic villages).
Chios mastic boasts antibacterial and antioxidant properties, contributing to the smooth functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Traditionally it has been used to relieve conditions of the gastrointestinal system, while it is also known to be effective in aiding oral hygiene.
At Tearoute we continue the tradition of mixing the teas of the East with the distinct aromas and flavours of the Mediterranean, therefore we have added to our two existing compositions with green tea and Chios mastic, a new one for black tea lovers and we invite you to try it.
Mastiha Chai
An intensely aromatic and slightly spicy blend in which the dominant Chios mastic is combined with green tea, whose flavours are brought out by its accompanying hot spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, fennel, cardamom, clove and pepper.
Teardrop of Chios island
A refreshing blend with a green sencha tea that merges the clean and sharp aromas of lemon with the nutty, earthy notes of almond and pistachio. With its characteristic, fine aroma, Chios mastic is an ideal round-off to the mixture. Equally enjoyable hot or cold.
Rose of Chios island
Intensely aromatic, sporting an aristocratic black-tea base, it marvellously combines fragrances from our tradition. In playing the lead role, Chios mastic is accompanied perfectly by the sweet and sour, with notes of black pepper, rose petals and bitter rich cocoa beans. A tasty, bitter-sweet brew which leaves a long after-taste with the aroma of Chios mastic.
Recipes
Panna cotta with Mastiha Chai
Ingredients:
250ml of milk
250ml cream
25g of sugar
2 tbsp Mastiha Chai or Rose of Chios tea leaves that you have placed in a filter
5 gr. gelatin sheets
Preparation:
1. Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water.
2. In a medium sized pot, combine the milk, cream, sugar and tea leaves placed in a filter over medium heat and once it starts to simmer remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Remove the filter with the tea leaves.
4. Drain the gelatine leaves, add them to the pot and mix well.
5. Divide the cream into 4 small glasses, let them cool a little and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Milkshake Mastiha Chai
Ingredients:
½ cup full fat milk 2 tsp Mastiha Chai tea 3 scoops vanilla ice cream ½ tsp mastiha powder
Preparation:
Bring milk and mastiha powder to a boil. Remove from heat, add tea leaves. Let infuse for ½ hour. Strain and place in refrigerator until cool. Combine milk and ice cream in a blender and beat well. Add some milk or ice cream to reach desired consistency. Serve in tall glass.
