Manilkara chicle

Chicle is the gum from the Sapodilla tree (Sapota Zapotilla), a tropical evergreen tree, native to in Central and South America. It is the traditional material used in chewing gum.

The tree is also grown for its fruit which is plum-sized and has a translucent brown flesh. The tapping of the gum is similar to the tapping of latex from the rubber tree. Zigzag gashes are made in the tree trunk and the dripping gum is collected in small bags. Locals who collect chicle are called chicleros. This is then boiled till it reaches the correct thickness. Widespread tapping has lead to the tree becoming scarce and other sources like the bully tree (Mimusops globosa) are being increasingly used. Many modern chewing gums use petroleum based plastic instead of chicle.

Chicle was well known to the Aztec and Maya Indians and the early European settlers prized it for its subtle flavour and high sugar content.