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. In order to complete an acquaintance of a certain place it is necessary to refer to its products. This necessity becomes an obligation when the place happens to be Mesta. Two of its products are directly related to the history and existence of Mesta; that is mastic and wine.
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. I. Mastic
. Mastic is the resin which is shed by schinos. A lot of labour is needed for its production. The "pricking" of schinos (= the piercing of its trunk) should take place very early in the morning before the sunrise, so that during the daytime and due to the rise in temperature the tree will shed the mastic. In the past people used to go to their trees from the previous night and sleep there so that they would save time in the morning. For the youngsters this nocturnal exodus was a special occasion for singing and dancing, while the setting was appropriate for several idylls. Is there, indeed, any equivalence between the young people's present ways of entertainment in basements full of smoke and noise and that of those days in nature and smell of schinos?
Mastic played a serious role as far as the fate of Mesta is concerned. The pirates' raids and a number of occupations the villagers underwent throughout history are caused to the production of mastic. Their better conditions of living in comparison to residents of other occupied areas were because the conquerors needed them for the production of mastic. It was so important that since the Roman times the penalties for stealing mastic were extremely severe. The Genoans though established the most strict penalties. Stealing a least piece of mastic was enough for the loss of the thief's one ear, hand, his nose or even his life.
Nowadays mastic is produced through the same traditional way regardless of the modern means of cultivation and production. The visitor should remember to buy some mastic before he leaves the village.
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. II. Wine
. In Mesta the very well known "Ariousios Oinos" is produced, which, according to Greek mythology was proper for the gods. The wine of Mesta is mentioned in the French Winology as "vin de Mesta". Those who want to taste this famous kind of wine can ask for it in the taverns and restaurants of the village and Limenas.
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. III. Souma (Raki)
. Another alcoholic drink that is produced in Mesta is souma. It is a kind of ouzo produced through distillation of figs. Souma is a very strong drink, it is pure though since it is made through a traditional way and does not contain preservatives. It is served with a variety of dried nuts and titbits. One can get it from the producers themselves.
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. IV. Kourmades
. Kourmades are also very famous in Mesta. They are olives which ripen on the tree because of a particular kind of fungus which thrives in the area. They can be eaten without any further elaboration.
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