While the question "How do we get gum?" seems straightforward, it can refer to several different types of "gum." This answer will focus on a type of gum extracted from larch wood chips.
Larch Gum Extraction
One method of obtaining "gum" involves the extraction of gum from larch wood chips. Larch is a deciduous conifer, and its gum-producing properties have been known for almost 100 years. However, commercial exploitation as a source of gum is a more recent development.
Larch Gum Details
Here's a breakdown of key points related to larch gum:
- Source: Extracted from larch wood chips.
- Tree Type: Larch is a deciduous conifer.
- History: Its gum-producing properties have been known for almost a century.
- Commercial Use: Commercial exploitation is relatively recent.
- Food Approval: Larch gum has been approved for use in foods.
- Practical Use: Despite approval, it hasn't been widely used in edible products.
While this answers how we can obtain one type of gum from larch, it is important to note that this isn't the kind of gum we commonly chew. Chewing gum typically comes from other sources, like chicle or synthetic rubber.
