Chicle is a natural gum made from the sap of the sapodilla tree, primarily found in tropical regions of Central America. Traditionally, it has been used by indigenous peoples for chewing and has a sweet flavor. Chicle is the original base for many types of chewing gum before synthetic alternatives became popular. In the late 19th century, Thomas Adams began commercial production of chicle-based gum in the United States. This led to the creation of well-known brands and flavors. Today, while many gums use synthetic ingredients, chicle is still valued for its natural properties and is sometimes used in organic or natural gum products.