HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
Mastic gum, known in some Arab countries by names like "Mastika" or "Mesteka", is one of the oldest natural materials used in perfumes, traditional medicine, and confectionery. Despite the spread of modern alternatives, this material still maintains its position thanks to its unique scent and multiple properties.
Its names vary from one Arab country to another; in Morocco, it is known as "Mastic Gum", in the Levant, it is called "Mastika", while in the Gulf, it is known as "Mastaka". The common abbreviation among perfumers is simply "Mastic".
Mastic Gum Market in Morocco… Between Greek and Local
The price of Mastic Gum in Morocco varies depending on its quality and source. The original Greek Mastic, which is the most sought after for its high quality, costs between 155 and 180 Moroccan dirhams for a 50-gram package. In contrast, there are cheaper varieties such as Moroccan Mastic or some similar alternatives like guar gum, where a 50-gram package does not exceed about 35 dirhams.
This difference in prices reflects the difference in quality and uses; while the original Mastic is preferred in the manufacture of high-end sweets and herbal treatments, many families tend towards less expensive alternatives for simple daily use.
Renewed Return Thanks to Natural Awareness
The demand for Mastic Gum has witnessed a noticeable increase in recent years, especially with the spread of natural medicine trends and organic products. Today, it is used to perfume homes, manufacture some types of incense, prepare traditional sweets, in addition to its presence in popular treatment recipes.
With increasing demand, awareness of product quality and its source remains a key factor in ensuring that you obtain genuine Mastic Gum with its original flavor and scent, away from commercial alternatives that may bear the same name without offering the same effect.
