© 2009 Fulvio Eccardi.

Chicozapote latex is extracted from the trees, then boiled until sticky, and finally kneaded and shaped into rectangular bricks called marquetas . These trees will not yield latex if planted outside their natural environment. They need the complex biological symphony of the rainforest around them to work their magic. This is one of the reasons why chicleros are such brave defenders of their evergreen jungles.

The short and natural step from chicozapote sap to chicle bricks
Chicozapote latex is extracted from 100 ft tall trees by making z-shaped superficial cuts on the bark, which zigzag down to a bag placed at the base. Dripping sap slowly fills the bags. Each tree renders from 3 to 5k per harvest, then it rests for 6 or 7 years before the next harvest. Trees are not harmed by this practice. Liquid latex is then boiled, dehydrated and brought to a sticky paste, which is stretched, kneaded and moulded into solid marquetas . Each marqueta is carefully marked by its maker. Since the sustainable management of their rainforests is certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), these marks contain relevant information that tells us the name of the chiclero who harvested it, and the exact location of the harvested tree in the rainforest. Few products offer such perfect traceability.