Spruce gum

Spruce gum is a chewing material made from the resin of spruce trees. In North America, it is known that spruce gum was chewed by Native Americans. Spruce gum was later introduced to the early American pioneers and was sold commercially by the 19th century, by John B. Curtis amongst others. In the 20th century, commercial spruce tree processing turned to paper manufacturing in order to meet demand from the newspaper industry, thereby reducing the availability of spruce for other purposes, including spruce gum. Today, spruce gum is available in small batches made at home rather than commercially. It is often flavored with mint or fruit. It is also found in nature and is far less expensive than purchasing a small batch. John B. Curtis was the first man to sell gum commercially.