Mastic

The sap of the mastic tree forms droplets or tears of resin that harden into white opaque small pieces. It’s also called Arabic gum and Yemen gum in the Middle East and in Greece is known as tears of Chios, being traditionally produced on the island Chios. It’s sold in Middle Eastern and Greek food shops, pharmacies and natural food stores. It’s used in baking and cooking.

Mastic (plant resin) - Wikipedia

Salep ( Sahlep or Sahlab)

Ground orchid or tuber bulbs used to make flour, once said to be a powerful aphrodisiac to restore a man's virility and passion. It’s used in hot drinks, puddings, and other desserts. Salep is usually added to milk thickening it and sweetened with sugar. The drink is delicious in the winter is good for colds and bronchitis.

Used by ancient Romans, it was made popular by the Ottoman empire. The popularity of salep in Turkey has led to a decline in the populations of wild orchids. As a result, it is illegal to export true salep. Used in Turkey, Greece and the Levant as well as the UK and Germany. Salep has an earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Salep - Wikipedia

Turkish Salep - Give Recipe

Mahleb (Mahlab or Mahlep)

A spice that is made from the ground seeds of the St. Lucie cherry. The Mahlab cherry tree grows abundantly in West Asia but is also found in Eastern and Central Europe. The spice is fragrant with a flavor that is unique, described as a mix of bitter almond with cherry notes.

Serious Eats’ Max Falkowitz describes mahleb as tasting “a bit like cherries, a bit like roses, and a bit like almonds. There’s a hint of vanilla and something quite floral. Its aftertaste, though, is quite bitter. When cooked, everything changes. It’s fruity and rich, but subtle.” | Eat Your Books

This spice is used in Levantine, Greek, Armenian, Turkish, and Egyptian cooking. It is primarily used in baked goods like bread and cakes especially on holidays. It is a key ingredient used to flavor Syrian string cheese, Jibneh Mshallaleh as well as Qurban, Eucharistic bread of the Levant. L'uso del mahleb risale ai tempi degli antichi Sumeri.

Mahleb - Wikipedia

Prunus mahaleb - Wikipedia