GUM

Chewing gum is a type of confection traditionally made of chicle, a natural latex product, or synthetic rubber known as polyisobutylene. For reasons of economy and quality, many modern chewing gums use rubber instead of chicle. Chicle is nonetheless still the base of choice for some regional markets, such as in Japan.

HISTORY OF THE GUM

Chewing gum in various forms has existed since at least the Neolithic period. 5,000-year-old chewing gum with tooth imprints, made of birch bark tar, has been found in Kierikki, Yli-Ii, Finland.

The ancient Aztecs used chicle as a base for making a gum-like substance. Women in particular used this gum as a mouth freshener. Many other cultures have chewed gum-like substances made from plants, grasses, and resins.

In 1848, John B. Curtis developed and sold the first commercial chewing gum called The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum.

Chicle gum, and gum made from similar latexes, had a smoother and softer texture and held flavour better

NEED TO CHEW

The need for chewing has been studied by psychologists and anthropologists. With this research, it was discovered that gum chewing reduces muscular tension and helps you relax.

HOW IS GUM MADE?

1. In a container 500 kilos of pasta are mixed and additives are added to give colour and flavour.

2.The pasta goes to a mill, where it is flattened and shaped into leaves.

3. The sheets pass a cutter, which cuts it into the size you want.

4. The gum is packaged in coloured paper by an automatic machine.