How to blow bubbles with bubble gum like a professional

Chewing gum has been a favorite past time since the time of the ancient Greeks; many cultures have chewed gum-like substances, mostly made from natural substances such as grasses, plants, and resins. The first person to patent chewing gum was William Semple, on December 28, 1869, but it is Susan Montgomery Williams who holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bubble gum bubble blown, at 23 inches in diameter.

The most popular brands are not always the best for blowing bubbles. Companies like Bubble Yum and Bubbicilious have created soft, easy to chew, full of flavor, long lasting gum; great for those that want to chew gum, bad for those that want to blow bubbles. If you want to blow championship bubbles, go with a less popular brand like Double Bubble or Bazooka. They contain less sugar and are harder to chew, but offer superior strength for bubbles.

Stick to the smaller amounts of gum; more gum doesn't mean more bubble. If you can blow your bubble and you still have gum in your mouth, you need more practice, not more gum. Remember, you are allowed only three pieces of gum when going for the world record.

Wind and temperature are two important factors to take into account when blowing bubbles. If the temperature is too low, your bubble becomes fragile and burst easily. If the temperature is too warm, your bubble tends to flop and drop. In order to blow your bubble to its fullest potential, stay indoors where you can adjust your surroundings.

Because all bubble gum contain sugar and artificial flavorings, you need to chew your gum long enough to get rid of these additives which are not conducive to bubble blowing. As a bonus, this activity will strengthen your bubble. After that, chew your gum until you achieve a certain appropriate consistency where you can push your tongue through the gum to make a pocket without making a hole. Spread out your gum evenly so that there is enough gum at the tip for you to make a big bubble with. Bubble gum turns hard when it cools down, so the more you chew, the warmer it gets, the softer it becomes.

In order to blow biggest bubble ever, you have to exhale slowly. Use steady and even breaths to stretch and expand your gum into a bubble. You have to be careful in keeping the pressure on the gum constant so that the bubble will not sag prematurely. To avoid yourself from blowing too hard and spoil your hard work, avoid tightening your lips around the bubble. Fill your bubble with more air as you keep your mouth in a big "O" shape.

Practice, practice, practice! Blowing championship bubbles will require not only practice but a strong jaw, tongue, and diaphragm. Try different combinations of the tips above to find the perfect conditions for blowing the biggest bubbles possible. Practice and compete with your friends to see who can blow the biggest bubble, and remember the most important tip: Have Fun!

Christopher Pratt is President of Candy Warehouse, the leading candy store for bulk candy discounts and specialty candy for specific occasions. When you're in the mood for bubblegum, Candy Warehouse has over 100 different types including bubble gum cigars.