I recently got a call from a reporter at the Wall Street Journal, asking about the background of peppermint in the U.S.
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The Slow and Quick Rise of the Peppermint Plant
The Strawberry, a Spy, and a Happy Accident
Taken, in part, from “Sweet as Sin” (Prometheus, 2016) Strawberry is one of the most popular candy flavors in the nation. It’s in chewing gum, hard candies, jelly beans, taffy, Caramel Creams.
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Cinnamon Tree
What is this gnarled tree? Today we know it well – we use its bark as a flavoring and garnish which we associate with love, comfort and fun.
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The World’s Sexiest Plant
What is this winding plant? Hint: It’s the sexiest plant around and the source of one of the most revered flavorings.
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The Guy Who Invented Chewing Gum – A Life of Many Firsts
John Bacon Curtis was the one who started it all – he ushered in the world of chewing gum, bringing the nation a new pastime and treat. In the process, he ignited many other firsts, most so commonplace we forget anyone could be first to do them.
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So Much Resin, So Much Time: The First Chewing Gums Ever
Throughout history, people have chewed tree resins: they were the first and longest-standing chewing gum, appreciated for their flavor and medicinal and health value. Amazingly, the shift from gum as a natural resin to a popular industrial wonder spanned a mere 75 years – a fraction of a hiccup in time.
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