Teaberry gum is a chewing gum that was manufactured by the D.L. Clark Gum Co. in the early 20th century. It is presently manufactured by off-shoot Clark Gum Company, in Buffalo, New York. Teaberry gum was noted for its mild flavor, which was a cross of cinnamon and mint, with a subtle kick. The pink gum was given the name it was because in the southeastern United States during that era, "teaberry" referred to wintergreen, which was abundant in the area.
Ingredients
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The ingredients in Clark's Teaberry Gum are artificial flavor, softeners, corn syrup, gum base, sugar and artificial color (listed as FD&C Red 40). The recommended serving size is one stick, and the gum consists of 10 calories, 2 g of sugar, 2 g carbohydrates and no sodium or fat.
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Sugar
Unlike the majority of chewing gum brands that are produced in the United States in the modern day, Clark's Teaberry Gum doe not contain any chemical sweeteners, like asparatame -- just plain sugar. The gum also does not contain common gum additives, like phenylalanine or acesulfame, used to create chewing gums that offer long-lasting flavor.
Eastern Teaberry
The name of the chewing gum comes from the eastern teaberry, which originates in the northeastern United States and is a member of the heath (Ericaceae) family. The eastern teaberry is known scientifically as Gaultheria procumbens, and is a rhizomatous, creeping shrub that usually grows 6 inches tall. The gum's flavor is derived from the plant's sharp wintergreen scent, which is apparent when crushed. Other features of the eastern teaberry include its light pink flowers (which are shaped like urns), deep green, bristly toothed and glossy foliage and fragrant, scarlet fruit. The plant blooms during the summer months.