When Was Chewing Gum Invented?
Chewing gum has a lengthy history, dating back to ancient Greek and Mayan society. It has evolved over the centuries to become the flavorful, chewable substance people the world over enjoy today. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Origins
-
Coined "chewing gum" by Thomas Adams after being introduced to the product by Antonia Lopez de Santa Anna in 1850, the confection was actually first discovered by the ancient Greeks through a chewable resin in the mastic tree. Similarly, the ancient Mayans chomped on chicle, or the sap they collected from the sapodilla tree.
Coming to America
-
American settlers learned of the practice from Native Americans, who worried spruce tree sap between their teeth. As it evolved, the settlers mixed spruce sap with beeswax for a better quality gum.
-
The Business of Gum
-
In 1848 chewing gum became a commercial product when John B. Curtis started to sell State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. It was in 1869, however, when the first patent for chewing gum was applied for and acquired, not by Curtis but by William Finley Semple.
The Gum Machine
-
The first gum-manufacturing machine was patented by Adams himself in 1870. By 1888, Adams's gum known as "Tutti-Frutti" was being purchased through vending machines located in the New York City subway.
Wrigley
-
Wrigley Chewing Gum was founded by William Wrigley, Jr. in 1891, while the infamous Wrigley Doublemint brand came about in 1914, adding Henry Fleer to the company. The company is known for being one of the first to add mint and fruit extracts to its product.
Industry of Gum
-
The chewing gum industry is now primarily monopolized by two international companies: Wrigley and Cadbury. All told, around $20 billion is grossed annually by through the production and purchase of chewing gum.
-
