How to Powder Mastic Gum?

To powder mastic gum, the most effective method involves freezing the gum first to make it brittle, then grinding it quickly in a blender. This prevents the heat from the grinding process from turning the gum sticky.

Essential Steps to Powder Mastic Gum

Mastic gum, known for its unique flavour and uses in cooking, cosmetics, and traditional medicine, can be tricky to powder because it becomes sticky when warm. The key is to keep it cold during the grinding process.

Here's a breakdown of the recommended method:

1. Prepare the Mastic: Start with small tears or small pieces of mastic gum. Larger pieces will be harder to grind evenly.
2. Freeze Thoroughly: Place the small pieces of mastic gum in a deep freezer for at least a couple of hours. Freezing makes the gum brittle and easy to break apart.
3. Grind While Frozen: While the mastic is still frozen, carefully place a small quantity into a blender or spice grinder. Working with small batches is crucial to avoid overloading the machine and generating too much heat.
4. Use Low Speed: Grind the mastic using a low speed setting on your blender. High speeds create more heat and friction, which can quickly warm the gum.
5. Grind in Short Bursts: Grind in short bursts rather than continuously. This further helps to prevent the mastic from getting warm and sticking to the blender.
6. Check Consistency: Check the consistency frequently. Once you achieve the desired powder fineness, stop grinding immediately. If you need a finer powder, you can sift it and re-grind the larger pieces, ensuring they remain cold.

By following these steps, you can successfully transform sticky mastic tears into a fine, usable powder.