Brooke Martin
Candles and chewing gum are both products that can be made from trees. Candles are typically made from the wax of the tree, while chewing gum can be made from tree sap, also known as chicle. Chicle is a natural, biodegradable alternative to conventional gum made from petroleum-based products. Gum made from tree sap was used by the ancient Aztecs and Maya and is still produced by companies today. Candles made from trees, such as the Among the Gum Trees candle, may use soy wax as a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Travel Tin Candle |
| Candle Scent | Gum Trees, Driftwood, Rivermint |
| Burning Hours | 20-30 hours |
| Candle Wax | Sustainable slow-burning soy wax |
| Candle Wick | Trim wick to 2-5mm to increase lifespan |
| Candle Care | Burn for at least 3 hours initially to avoid "tunnel effect" |
| Gum Type | Spruce Gum, Chicle |
| Gum Ingredients | Spruce Resin, Tree Sap |
| Gum Properties | Biodegradable, Sugar-free, Vegan |
| Gum Taste | Like chewing a Christmas tree |
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What You'll Learn
Chewing gum made from tree sap
Chewing gum has evolved from its natural tree-sap origins to the modern, synthetic product we know today. The average American chews through 300 sticks (1.5 lbs) of gum per year, and if gum was still sourced primarily from trees, those trees would have been tapped out long ago.
Chicle, a natural gum traditionally used in chewing gum, is collected from several species of Mesoamerican trees, including the sapodilla tree. Zig-zag gashes are made in the tree trunk, and the dripping gum is collected in small bags. It is then boiled until it reaches the right thickness. Chicle was used by the Aztecs and Maya, who chewed it to stave off hunger, freshen breath, and keep teeth clean. The Maya also used it as a filling for tooth cavities. In the 1870s, Thomas Adams and his sons proved that heating chicle with sugar and flavouring yielded a superior gum. This led to the creation of Blackjack, the first flavoured gum.
Today, most gum companies have switched to using butadiene-based synthetic rubber, which is cheaper to manufacture. However, some people still make their own chewing gum from tree sap. One popular source of gum is spruce resin, which can be gathered from trees while hiking and then boiled and formed into gumballs. This was the first popular chewing gum in the United States, sold in general stores. Another source of gum is pine resin, although this can be difficult to remove from the teeth and has a strong bitter taste. Tree resins have long been used for their medicinal properties, and they can provide a natural alternative to factory-made gum.
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Biodegradable gum
Conventional chewing gum is an environmental hazard due to its stickiness and non-biodegradability. It is the second most common litter found on streets, and it can take up to 50 years for gum to start breaking down. However, some companies are now creating biodegradable chewing gum to address this issue. For instance, Natural Mayan Chewing Gum is the first organic, sustainable, and fully biodegradable chewing gum on the market. It is made from all-natural materials and does not contain any artificial substances like synthetic plastic.
Simply Gum is another company that makes biodegradable gum. The founder, Caron, started the company in 2014 after discovering that regular chewing gum is filled with artificial ingredients. Their gum is made in New York with ingredients sourced from around the world. Instead of using synthetic plastic, they use chicle, a sustainable tree sap sourced from Central America, as their gum base.
True Co. also offers a plastic-free, vegan, and sugar-free chewing gum. Their product is plant-based and naturally flavoured, with an irresistible taste.
In addition to purchasing biodegradable gum, individuals can make their own gum using tree resin, as loggers in the Adirondacks did in the past. Spruce resin can be gathered from trees, melted, and filtered through a clean cloth. The filtered resin can then be formed into blobs, pulled like taffy, and rolled into sausages that can be cut up and rolled into gumballs. This type of gum can be used multiple times and has a long-lasting flavour.
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Ancient Aztec and Mayan gum
The Mayans and Aztecs were the first to unlock the positive properties of gum. They used chicle, a natural gum traditionally used in making chewing gum and other products, which is collected from several species of Mesoamerican trees in the genus Manilkara. The word "chicle" comes from the Nahuatl word for the gum, "tzictli", which can be translated as "sticky stuff". Alternatively, it may have come from the Mayan word "tsicte".
Chicle was well known to the Aztecs and the Mayans, and early European settlers prized it for its subtle flavour and high sugar content. The Mayans cooked and dried chicle into "cha", which was used to quench thirst and stave off hunger. The Aztecs recognised chicle's function as a breath freshener.
To collect chicle, zig-zag gashes are made in the tree trunk and the dripping gum is collected in small bags. It is then boiled until it reaches the correct thickness. Locals who collect chicle are called "chicleros".
By the 1960s, most chewing gum companies had switched from using chicle to butadiene-based synthetic rubber, which was cheaper to manufacture. Unsustainable harvesting methods used to increase yields killed at least a quarter of Mexico's sapodilla trees by the mid-1930s, and scientists predicted total forest depletion within four decades. As a result, chewing gum manufacturers soon began switching to cheaper, synthetic bases made from petroleum, wax and other substances. By 1980, the United States was no longer importing any chicle from Mexico.
However, chicle may be making a small comeback. In recent years, a small Mexican company called Chicza launched what it markets as "the world's first biodegradable chewing gum". A handful of small gum companies still use chicle, including Gud Gum, Glee Gum, Simply Gum, and Tree Hugger Gum.
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Spruce gum as gifts
Spruce gum, made from the resin of spruce trees, has a long history as a unique and thoughtful gift. As early as the 17th century, American spruce resin was valued for its sweet fragrance, with English explorer Martin Pring comparing it to frankincense. Spruce gum was once a popular gift choice, especially among loggers in the Adirondacks, who would send boxes of it to their loved ones.
Today, spruce gum can be a delightful and unexpected gift for friends and family. The process of making spruce gum involves collecting spruce resin from trees, melting and filtering it through a clean cloth, and then shaping it into gum balls or desired shapes. The final product can be wrapped in wax paper to prevent sticking and add a finished look.
As a gift, spruce gum offers a unique sensory experience. Its taste has been described as reminiscent of chewing on a Christmas tree, with a long-lasting flavour and a woodsy freshness. It starts as a hard, crunchy texture with a strong pine taste, evolving into a sweeter, more pleasant chew. Spruce gum can be reused multiple times, making it a long-lasting treat.
For those seeking a more natural and traditional chewing experience, spruce gum is a wonderful option. It is important to note that new, soft resin should be avoided as it tends to be sticky. Instead, opt for resin that has hardened over several years to ensure a better chewing texture. Spruce gum is a gift that evokes a bygone era and connects people to the beauty and bounty of nature.
Spruce gum can be a delightful surprise for those seeking a unique and nostalgic gift. It combines history, nature, and sensory pleasure into a memorable present. Whether it's for a loved one who cherishes their connection to the outdoors or someone who simply enjoys trying new things, spruce gum is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, the next time you're pondering gift ideas, consider the timeless charm of spruce gum.
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Flavours of chewing gum
Chewing gum has evolved from spruce gum, which was made from spruce resin and was the first popular chewing gum in the United States. Loggers in the Adirondacks would send boxes of spruce gum back home as gifts. Today, chewing gum comes in a wide variety of flavours, from classic favourites to innovative new tastes.
Fruit-flavoured gums and spearmint gums became the industry standard in the early 1900s. Mint and fruit extracts were combined in various ways to create new flavours with enticing names. Some examples of early hybrid creations include Clark's Teaberry and Adams Tutti-Frutti, the first flavoured gum sold in a vending machine.
By the 1960s and 1970s, chewing gum companies began to search for unique flavours that would stand out in the market. They moved away from traditional fruit flavours and introduced sour fruit-flavoured gums, such as Adams Sour, and "Ice Cream-Flavoured" chewing gums, including chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry.
In the 21st century, mint-flavoured gums, such as peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen, became the most popular choice among adult gum chewers. To compete with these minty flavours, gum companies started crafting extremely specific or niche flavours, such as spicy ghost peppers, bacon, and even "man smell."
Some iconic gum flavours that have stood the test of time include Black Jack, Beemans, Clove, and Dubble Bubble Gum Tabs. These gums offer a nostalgic experience and a breath of fresh air that is just as invigorating today as it was in the past.
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Frequently asked questions
Gum trees, also known as eucalyptus trees, are a fast-growing evergreen species that tend to have smooth or fibrous bark, leaves with oil glands, and fruits called "gumnuts". There are over 700 species of gum trees, most of which are native to Australia.
Yes, the sap from sweet gum trees can be used to make candles, providing a natural alternative to synthetic candle wax.
The blue gum, rainbow gum, lemon-scented gum, white peppermint gum, and water gum are some examples of gum trees. The sweet gum tree is also known for its sticky resin, which can be used to make candles.
To avoid the "tunnel effect," it is recommended to burn your candle for at least three hours the first time you light it, until the wax melts to the edges. Trimming the wick can also increase the lifespan of your candle by up to 15%.
