How is mastic traditionally harvested and used in the Balearic Islands?

Throughout the Balearic Islands, mastic trees—recognized by their glossy leaves and small white flowers—can be found clinging to dry rocky slopes, especially around the Tramuntana foothills. Harvesting mastic here is a gentle art, practiced by locals who carefully tend to the bushes without damaging them, so the aromatic resin can be gathered sustainably. The resin seeps from small incisions made in the bark, where it hardens into tiny amber droplets known as 'breu.' This process usually happens in the spring and early summer, when the sap flow is at its peak.

Once collected, the breu is washed to remove impurities and left to dry in the sun, intensifying its distinctive piney scent. On Mallorca, this mastic resin finds its way into a variety of cherished local products. Artisanal distilleries in towns like Sóller and Alcúdia incorporate it into traditional liqueurs such as Palo and Hierbas, adding a subtle herbal note that complements the island's Mediterranean palate. Beyond beverages, mastic is also used in local sweets and even in traditional remedies, reflecting the deep relationship between the Balearic people and their natural environment. This quiet, ancient craft highlights a connection to the land that is often missed by casual visitors but treasured by those who seek to understand the island’s heritage.