Sapodilla
The sap forms the natural base for chewing gum – originally known from the Maya in Central America.
The Sapodilla has a gummy, white latex that for many years was the main ingredient in chewing gum. In Spanish, this latex is called ‘chicle’, which is also the name of a well-known brand of chewing gum.
Chicle was chewed by the Mayans long before Europeans discovered America. It was introduced in the USA in the mid-1800s, where different flavours were added to the latex. In this way today's chewing gum was born.
Untill The Second World War, chicle was an important export commodity for Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Today, however, it has been replaced by synthetic gum. The Sapodilla is now grown only for its brown fruits that are 4-8 centimeters long and taste a little like pears.
They are eaten in the same way as a kiwi fruit. However, one should be careful not to eat the black seeds as they have a small hook on one end that can easily stick in your throat.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Tyggegummetræ
- Latin name: Manilkara zapota
- Family: Sapodilla family / Sapotaceae
- Natural habitat: Central America and the Caribbean
Learn more about other plants here.