The interesting history of chewing gum goes back much further than you think!

The interesting history of chewing gum goes back much further than you think!

Have you ever wondered why chewing teeth is so popular, especially in our childhood? I mean, who can resist breaking the rules by popping balloons and chewing gum at school? The history of chewing gum is a fascinating story that spans centuries, bridges different cultures and defies the boundaries of time.

Age-old chewing gum: a time-tested tradition
Believe it or not, chewing gum has been around since ancient times. Ancient Greeks and people around the world have been chewing gum for centuries. Even the Mayans enjoyed the bark of the sapodilla tree as early as the 2nd century. There are indeed Mexican workers called ‘chicleros’, who climb trees and cut the bark to remove the bark, known as ‘chicle’. This centuries-old tradition still continues, and the famous Chiclets owe their name to it.

While American colonists learned how Native Americans chewed wood, after the Mexican-American War chewing became the common practice we know today. In 1848, John B. Curtis began producing the first commercial beans with a sweet, fruity taste.

Crase Gum Chewing
The habit of chewing gum was brought to the United States by General Antonio López de Santa Anna, the exiled former president of Mexico. While in Staten Island, Santa Anna met Thomas Adams, who became his secretary. Although Santa Anna believed that chewing gum could be used as a substitute for rubber, this was not successful. But Adams decided to try it. Thanks to Adams’ skill, he discovered a method for heating, seasoning, and cutting hickory wood. Soon he started selling these unique sticks and they became very popular. One of Adams’ most popular brands from the 1870s is Black Jack, a classic many of us grew up with.

After the success of Black Jack, Wrigley (1891) and Chiclets (1900) quickly entered the electronics industry. The first bubbles were called Blibber-blubber, but they became popular with customers in 1905. Finally, in 1928, chewing gum as we know it today was created and called Dubble Bubble.

In 1889, the toothbrush was invented. This comparative practice allowed people to store sperm for later use. Although it didn’t become popular until the 1910s, it became a go-to product for women who needed a clever way to whiten their teeth. At that time, it was considered inappropriate for women to chew their teeth.

Chewing gum has changed

During World War II, various types of chewing gum were included in military rations. The seeds were believed to quench thirst, hunger and stress in the military. However, after the war the production process became largely synthetic. Stabilizers, waxes, and petroleum-based oils have replaced the plant-based materials once used.From childhood favorites Bazooka, Wrigley, and Teaberry to the many different flavors available today, it’s clear that gum continues to fascinate us. With its rich history and ever-expanding diversity, we can say that our love for chewing gum will not fade away anytime soon!