Funky Facts About Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is available in many shapes, colors and flavors.

The first chewing gum dates back to prehistoric times, when people chewed the resin from trees, according to the International Chewing Gum Association (ICGA). It was not until 1848 that the first commercial chewing gum, derived from the spruce tree, hit the market. As a fun candy item, gum has secured a place in the annals of history and remains popular today.

Bubble Gum

Bubble gum, known for its pink color and bubble-blowing qualities, was invented in 1906 and called Blibber-Blubber. It was pink because that was the only color the inventor had on hand at the time of his inspiration. The Blibber-Blubber recipe was later tweaked and renamed Double Bubble.

Gum Wrapper Chains

Certain gum wrappers can be folded into right angles and connected together to form a chain. This quiet pastime was taken quite seriously by Cathy Ushler of Redmond, Washington, who showcased a gum wrapper chain of 7,400 feet long in 1992. That's almost 1 1/2 miles. This is the longest chewing gum chain on record.

Gum During Wartime

During World War II, U.S. military personnel traded gum and gave gifts of gum to people around the world, including Europe, Africa and Asia.

Record-breaking Bubble

In 1994, Susan Montgomery blew the largest bubble on record. It was 23 inches in diameter and is recorded in the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records.

References

• International Chewing Gum Association: Fun Facts About Gum