Why did American settlers chew gum from spruce trees instead of mastic trees?

American settlers chewed gum from spruce trees because it was more readily available and abundant in North America, particularly in the northeastern regions where spruce trees were common. Unlike mastic trees, which are native to the Mediterranean region, spruce trees provided a local source of natural gum. The sap from spruce trees was not only accessible but also had a pleasant flavor and texture that made it appealing for chewing. This practice became part of early American culture and laid the groundwork for the development of commercial Chewing Gum.