Have you ever wondered what's in chewing
gum? Well, I know- it's chicle and 
it
comes from the chicle tree. More than a thousand years ago the Mayan Indians
found a milky sap called latex. They made it thick by heating it and made
it into a gum that could be chewed. For this reason, trees were grown in
Central America, but you will naturally find more on the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Aztecs also enjoyed chewing gum. The word chicle comes from the Aztec
word for juice.
Some chicle trees grow to be about
240 feet tall. They must be 20 years old before they can produce a lot
of latex. The latex flows best in July and December when the trees are
then tapped by cutting zigzag grooves in the bark. The latex flows to the
bottom of the trees where it is collected. It is heated until thick. Later
sweeteners and flavors are added.
This page created by: Andy
photo: credit 11
This page was created by Eleva-Strum
sixth grade students
supported by a Cluster A Goals
2000 Grant|Created 4.14.99|Updated 4.14.99
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