How To Make Jungle Chicle

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How To Make Jungle Chicle

• (Chicle, pronounced cheek-le, is Spanish for gum)

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From where did chicle originate?

• Zapote or Chicozapote are the common names of the
  tree from which chicle or chewing gum resin is
  extracted (see Fig. A)
• The trees are mostly found in tropical
  rainforests such as the ones that cover parts of
  the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico (see Fig. B)
• It is believed that the ancient Mayans and Aztecs
  chewed the gum to clean their teeth.
• American James Adams made millions of dollars
  when he decided to sweeten, flavor and sell
  chewing gum (Legend has it that he got his idea
  from watching Mexican President Santa Ana chewing
  chicle!)
• It wasnt until WWII that chewing gum became
  popular in America. Soldiers chewed gum to
  relieve stress and tension!

Fig. A
Fig. B
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Making Chicle

• Chicle resin can be extracted by

Making zigzag cuts through the bark bringing the
thick, white juices to the surface.
OR
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Plucking the fruit from the tree and . . .
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. . . squeezing the resin onto a leaf.
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Next, use a twig and begin stirring the resin,
slowly.
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As the stirring continues, the resin thickens. . .
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Periodically, stop and test the elasticity of the
chicle.
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Finally, pop the chicle into your mouth and enjoy!
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Making Jungle Chicle
Brought to you by April Grady 6th grade
Science Nacogdoches, Texas
Images of the Zapote tree were taken at the
Private Wildlife Reserve of El Zapotal, Yucatan
Peninsula, Mexico www.pronatura.org