What You Need to Know
The terpenoid profile of mastic (α‑pinene, β‑pinene, limonene) diffuses into honey, inhibiting yeasts and bacteria while the resin particles lower water activity from ~0.60 to ~0.55. Controlled heating at 60 °C for 30 min ensures uniform distribution without volatilizing the active terpenoids. Maintaining storage below 30 °C prevents resin crystallization that would diminish efficacy.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Diffusion of terpenoid antimicrobial compounds into honey matrix coupled with water‑activity reduction