Mastiha, a natural resin found only in the tree sap of evergreen bushes exclusive to the southern part of the Greek island Chios, recently landed stateside in Mastihashop's first U.S. outpost. Located in New York City, the shop specializes in products made with the  resin, which is a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and is anti-bacterial. Mastiha is known in Greece to relieve ulcers and is used as a foundation for cosmetics and skincare products because of its antioxidant qualities. The little shop, located on Manhattan's Lower East Side, carries everything from the Korres line of beauty products to spices, gum, chocolates and even toothpaste.



Sisters Artemis and Kalliopi Kohas, who have been splitting their time between New York and Chios for the last decade, opened the shop late last year. "We grew up around mastiha our whole lives, and we wanted to be the ones to educate and tell people about it and bring it to the U.S.," Kalliopi Kohas said.

Mastihashops was created by a cooperative formed by the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association. There are 11 stores in Greece and one in Tokyo. For more information, visit www.mastihashop.com.