Chicle, a natural gum derived from a tree, is primarily used as a base for chewing gum. It originates from the milky fluid produced by these trees, known for its elasticity and chewiness. Its origin and harvesting involve a traditional process.
The Sapodilla Tree
Chicle primarily comes from the Manilkara zapota tree, also known as the Sapodilla tree. This evergreen species is native to southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean, including the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Sapodilla trees are slow-growing, reaching heights of 30 to 60 feet, though some in dense forests can grow up to 100 feet. When cut, the bark exudes a white, gummy latex sap, the raw form of chicle.
Harvesting Chicle
Chicle extraction relies on a traditional method performed by skilled harvesters known as “chicleros.” Chicleros make zigzag or V-shaped cuts into the Sapodilla tree’s bark using a machete. The milky latex sap then trickles down these incisions into collection bags at the tree’s base.
This harvesting is demanding, as chicleros climb tall trees, sometimes using ropes or spikes, to make cuts along the trunk. A single tree can yield between 1 to 5 pounds of raw chicle per tapping. To ensure tree health, each Sapodilla tree needs a recovery period of three to eight years before re-tapping. Once collected, the raw latex is boiled to reduce water content, coagulating it into a thick, chewable resin molded into blocks.
Chicle’s Journey to Chewing Gum
Indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs and Mayans, chewed chicle for centuries. American inventor Thomas Adams popularized it in the late 19th century. Adams received chicle from exiled Mexican president Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, initially trying to use it as a rubber substitute. When unsuccessful, Adams pivoted to producing chewing gum, which quickly gained popularity.
Chicle became the primary base for modern chewing gum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Increased demand, especially during World War I and World War II, strained natural chicle supply and led to over-tapping. By the 1940s and 1960s, manufacturers largely transitioned to cheaper, synthetic gum bases, often petroleum-based, to meet market demand.
Chicle Today
While synthetic bases dominate the global chewing gum market, chicle is still used in some niche products. Natural chewing gums often feature chicle, appealing to consumers seeking plastic-free and plant-based alternatives. Traditional harvesting methods by chicleros persist, emphasizing sustainable practices that allow trees to regenerate. This production supports local communities and promotes an environmentally conscious approach to gum manufacturing.