John B. Curtis is credited with creating and selling the first commercially produced chewing gum. In 1848, he developed and marketed The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. However, the history of chewing gum extends far beyond this, with Native Americans having a long tradition of chewing resin from spruce trees.
A Brief History of Chewing Gum
- Ancient Origins: Long before commercial production, Native Americans chewed resin from spruce trees. This practice was adopted by European settlers.
- Early Commercialization: John B. Curtis's 1848 creation marked the beginning of commercial chewing gum production.
- Innovation and Expansion: The 20th century saw significant advancements in chewing gum, with individuals like William Wrigley Jr. becoming hugely successful in the industry. This period also saw the invention of candy-coated gum (Chiclets by Henry Fleer in 1890) and bubble gum (Walter Diemer).
The development of chewing gum involved many contributors and innovations over time, moving from natural resins to commercially produced products with diverse ingredients (e.g., chicle, gum base, petroleum waxes, and various synthetic polymers). While John B. Curtis is recognized for the first commercial product, the history of chewing gum is far richer and involves countless individuals and advancements throughout history.
