Mastic Gum’s Sensitivity to Heat
As a natural, unprocessed resin, mastic gum is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Its consistency changes with the environment: it becomes softer and more pliable in warm conditions and harder in cooler temperatures. This inherent property means that while mastic gum does not truly "spoil" like perishable food, improper storage in a warm environment can significantly degrade its quality. The primary issues are softening, melting, and clumping, which affect both the usability and the texture of the product. Exposure to heat can cause individual mastic tears to stick together, forming a single mass that is difficult to break apart or chew. Mastic gum powder is particularly vulnerable to this, as heat can cause it to revert to a clumped, non-powdered state.
Storage Guidelines for Mastic Gum Tears
For natural mastic gum tears or crystals, the ideal storage method depends on the climate and storage duration. For short-term storage or in cooler climates, a cool, dry place is often sufficient. Key is to keep the gum in its original, airtight packaging and away from direct sunlight, which can accelerate oxidation. However, for periods longer than a week or if you live in a warmer region, refrigeration is strongly recommended. A refrigerated environment helps the tears maintain their hard, crystalline structure, preventing them from fusing together into an unusable mass.
Storing Mastic Gum Powder and Capsules
Mastic gum is also available in powdered form, often sold in capsules or sachets. For mastic gum powder, refrigeration is the most effective way to prevent clumping. Since no chemicals or additives are used to maintain its powdered state, heat can easily cause the particles to clump together. If clumping occurs, placing the container in the freezer for a few hours can help re-solidify the resin, allowing you to tap or gently break it back into powder. Capsules containing mastic powder should also be stored in the refrigerator, especially during warmer months, to keep the contents from sticking together.
The Role of Refrigeration in Preventing Oxidation
Beyond preventing physical clumping, storing mastic gum in a cool place, such as a refrigerator, helps to slow down the process of oxidation. Over time, oxidation can cause the gum to turn from its natural white or off-white color to a more yellowish hue. While oxidized mastic gum is still safe to consume and retains its beneficial properties, the process can diminish its fresh, aromatic pine-like flavor. By keeping it refrigerated and airtight, you can preserve the gum's original sensory appeal and maximize its shelf life, which can extend to a couple of years with proper handling. The Chios Mastiha Growers Association recommends consuming mastiha within three years of production and storing it in a cool place to protect it from light.
How to Revive Clumped or Softened Mastic Gum
If your mastic gum has softened or clumped together due to heat exposure, it is not ruined and you can easily restore it. The process depends on whether you have tears or powder. For clumped tears, simply place the sealed container in the freezer for 1-2 hours. The cold will harden the resin, making it easy to separate the individual pieces again. For powder that has formed a lump, a similar freezer method works. After freezing, you can tap the container or, for a more stubborn clump, wrap the lump in a clean cloth and tap it gently with a heavy object to break it back into a powder.
Comparison of Mastic Gum Storage Options
| Storage Method | Ideal For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Short-term storage in cool, dry climate. | Convenient, requires no refrigeration. | High risk of clumping or softening in warm weather; faster oxidation. |
| Refrigeration | Long-term storage; all conditions, especially warm climates. | Prevents clumping and sticking; slows oxidation, preserving flavor and texture. | Requires a cool space, may not be necessary in winter for some climates. |
| Freezer | Restoring clumped tears or powder. | Quickly re-hardens softened gum; allows for grinding into powder. | Not for long-term storage; repeated freezing and thawing is not ideal. |
Conclusion
In summary, while it isn't mandatory to refrigerate mastic gum for safety, doing so is highly recommended to preserve its quality, texture, and flavor. Refrigeration is especially crucial for powdered mastic gum to prevent clumping and for tears during warmer months to stop them from sticking together. By storing mastic gum in a cool, dry place and using a refrigerator for longer-term preservation, you can ensure you always have fresh, high-quality resin to enjoy.
For more information on mastic gum cultivation and properties, you can visit the official Chios Mastiha Growers Association website.
