Chewing gum: a popular candy of Maya origin

El chicle: un popular dulce de origen maya

Share this

Probably more than once a week, you take a delicious chewing gum, but you have never wondered exactly what you are eating or where it originates from, despite chewing it so naturally. Since ancient times, before our era, archaeologists have found records that in Greece and Egypt, they already chewed the resin of some trees for medicinal purposes. But the truth is that the origin of modern chewing gum is located in one of the civilizations that inhabited and dominated a large part of the American territory. It was the Mayans who, after a simple process, obtained a chewable rubber that they used for various reasons.

If you travel to the Riviera Maya, a paradisiacal region of the Mexican Caribbean, where the beauty is stirring in absolutely every aspect, you will notice that there is an abundance of trees there known as Chicozapote, a key element for the production of chewing gum that grows amidst the dense and exotic tropical vegetation of Yucatan, the state of Quintana Roo, and some other sites in Mexico and Central America.

The natives of these lands would make cuts on the trunks of these plants in a zig-zag pattern, causing the resin to flow to the surface. This resin was collected and, through a drying process, created a chewable material they used for hygiene purposes, that is, cleansing the teeth through chewing. It is also said that it was consumed in fasting rituals to suppress hunger. What is certain is that it was this ancient culture that took the fundamental step to allow us to enjoy this sweet treat today.

It should be clarified that the different flavors we know today and the sweetness of chewing gum are the result of a modern production process. None of this was part of the ancient “sicte,” the name given by the Mayans to this gum, which they consumed without the characteristics we know today.

What is certain is that chewing gum, the popular sweet of Mayan origin, reached the hands of Adams, a North-American photographer who, after failing in his attempt to create an elastic and resistant material, decided to sell this paste as a dental hygiene product. Within a few years, its popularity grew significantly, and sweeteners and flavorings began to be added to this new treat introduced to the market. Today, the whole world enjoys this chewable delight that comes in many flavors and shapes.

It is incredible how many things we don’t know about the peoples who inhabited these lands before the arrival of the Spaniards. You can discover more secrets in the beautiful Riviera Maya, a place where culture and nature blend to offer tourists unparalleled alternatives for spending the best days of their lives. Many more secrets and legends of the pre-Hispanic world await you in this true tropical paradise. Travel and discover every one of its charms!

Portuguese Versión: O chiclete: um popular doce de origem Maya

More Destination, Tourism, and Travel News

http://blog.vallarta.com.mx/wp content/uploads/2014/09/Explora la diversidad de paisajes que te ofrece Costalegre
Costalegre

Explore the diversity of landscapes offered by Costalegre

Costalegre is an extensive tourist corridor of nearly one hundred kilometers of beach, stretching from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo and encompassing, along the way, a series of incredible towns, breathtaking natural landscapes, and exotic scenery that will captivate you, making you fall in love at first sight. It is truly one of the most amazing places of […]

Momentos Incríveis: Descubra Seu Refúgio na Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya

Incredible Moments: Discover Your Retreat in the Riviera Maya

Amazing Moments: Discover Your Sanctuary in the Riviera Maya Amazing Moments: Discover Your Sanctuary in the Riviera Maya Picture yourself waking up in a true paradise in the heart of the Riviera Maya. The sun’s rays gently stream through the window of your sophisticated suite, while the refreshing sound of the sea waves invites you to a new day filled with […]

Conexão Sem Limites em Cancun: O Guia Definitivo para Grupos de Celular
Cancun

Unlimited Connection in Cancun: The Definitive Guide for Mobile Groups

  Unlimited Connection in Cancun: The Ultimate Guide for Cell Groups Imagine landing in Cancun, surrounded by stunning landscapes, white sands, and turquoise waters. The feeling of being in this amazing place is exhilarating, but soon an important question arises: how to stay connected during your stay in this paradise? The good news is […]

Descubra Cancun em Junho: O Paraíso ao Seu Alcance
Cancun

Discover Cancun in June: The Paradise Within Your Reach

Discover Cancun in June: The Paradise Within Your Reach Imagine yourself on a soft sandy beach, where the sun shines brightly and the sea breeze gently envelops your body. This is the reality that Cancun offers in June, a true tropical haven that will enchant travelers from all corners of the globe. During this period of […]