It always amazes me at how the smallest things can bring back childhood memories in a flash. When I was a kid, clove gum was 'the thing' to have. It was way cooler than smoking, plus it did not damage your lungs. The packaging was cool, the price was right and everyone just had to have a pack. As such, whenever we would find a few packs they never lasted long. That seems to be a trend with this nostalgic chewing gum.
Clove gum is simply chewing gum that is flavored with cloves. It was first manufactured by the Thomas Adams Company in 1914. Many people believe its popularity increased as people used this strong smelling gum to cover the smell of alcohol during prohibition. Whether that is true or not, it has always had a steady stream of hungry buyers.
The candy giant Cadbury eventually acquired the Thomas Adams Company and continues today under the brand name Cadbury Adams. The only bad thing is that Cadbury Adams only produces clove gum once every three years now. Since the demand is so strong, yet the supply tends to decrease rapidly, finding this gum has become increasingly difficult. If the local candy stores run out you are then forced to wait three more years in order to have the opportunity to buy it again.
To make matters worse there are now collectors who buy up as much as they can. Who knew? I guess I was cool before cool was in.
