Schinos Seed Oil (Pistacia lentiscus)

Our Schinos (Σχίνος) Seed Oil, also know as Mastic seed or Lentisk oil, is from the Pistacia lentiscus plant. It has one of the most distinctive scents of Cyprus. The Pistacia lentiscus bush (Σχινιά) can be found all over Cyprus. Our schinos seeds are foraged wild from the Arakapas area in Troodos mountain.

The Schinos seeds/berries are a familiar taste in Cyprus and are found in the local cuisine. The most-famous uses are in sausages for flavoring and preservation, and in flatbreads (Schinopites). The oil has a woody spicy smell and can be used as a finishing oil, especially in meat dishes or in salad dressings. 

Schinos Seed Oil is derived from the same plant as the famous mastiha or mastic, however the smell and taste is unique. We press our oil using an expeller, from the ripe seeds/berries of the plant, while mastiha oil is distilled from the resin harvested from the trunk of the same bush.

Aside from its culinary uses, Schinos Seed Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, cleansing, antiseptic, healing and soothing effects. In traditional medicine it was used to treat skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.

The main components of our Schinos Seed Oil are: Oleic acid (45%), Linoleic acid (23%), Palmitic acid (22%), Palmitoleic acid (4%), and cis-Vaccenic acid (4%).

Product Information:

All of our products are 100% pure, with no additives or preservatives. As nature is diverse, each plant is unique, leading to variations in color and fragrance of our essential oils, seed and nut oils, and extracts.

Caution & Care:

Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. If this is not possible, keep in the refrigerator. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Always conduct a patch test before applying to the skin.