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US005128l54A
United States Patent [19] [11] Patent Number: 5,128,154
Johnson et a1. [45] Date of Patent: Jul. 7, 1992

[54] METHOD OF TREATING WINTERGREEN [56] References Cited

FLAVORS SO AS TO ELIMINATE U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
UNDESIRABLE OFFNOTES ASSOCIATED
THEREWITH 1,814,853 7/1931 Putnam ............................... .. 560/71
1,905,144 4/1938 Carswell et al. 560/71
1,945,177 l/1934 Carswell et a1. . . . . . . . . .. 560/71
[75] Inventors: Sonya Johnson, Brook?eld; Jayant C. 2,827,452 3/1958 Schlcnk .............. .. 426/651
Drive, Bloomingdale, both of 111. 4,476,142 10/1984 Netherwood 426/651
4,613,513 9/1986 Hussein .................. ._ 426/651
4,724.151 2/1988 Mansukhani et a1. 426/651
[73] Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Chicago, 4,778,691 10/1988 Todd, Jr. et a1. ...... .. 426/60)
111. 4,844,883 7/1989 Patel .. .. . . . .. . . ._ . . . . . . . . . .. 426/3

4,948,595 8/1990 Patel .................................. .. 426/651

[211 App]. No.: 737,836 OTHER PUBLICATlONS -

The Chemistry of Essential Oils and Arti?cial Perfumes

[22] Filed: Jul. 29, 1991 by Ernest J. Parry (1918); The Essential Oils by Ernest
Guenther (1948).

Related 1.1.8. Application Data Primary Examiner-Jeanette Hunter '

Attorney. Agent, or FirmWillian Brinks Olds Hofer
[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 457,318. Dec. 28. 1989. aban Gilson & Lione
doned1
[57] ABSTRACT
[51] Int. Cl.5 .... . . . . . . . . . .. A23G 3/30 A method of treating methyl salicylate ?avor is pro
[52] US. Cl. ...................................... .. 426/3; 426/533; vided washing the ?avor with an aqueous alkaline solu
426/651; 424/48; 560/71 tion having a pH in the range from about 8 to about 14.
[58] Field 01' Search ...................................... .. 426/ 3-6,
426/651. 533; 424/48; 560/71; 512/5 32 Claims, No Drawings
 1
5,128,154
2
.METHOD OF TREATING WINTERGREEN DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
FLAVORS SO AS TO ELIMINATE UNDESIRABLEv EMBODIMENTS
OFT-NOTES ASSOCIATED THEREWITI-I The method of the present invention contemplates
the treatment of any ?avor or ?avor blend comprising
This application is a continuation of application Ser. natural Wintergreen oil, arti?cial Wintergreen oil
No. 07/457,318 ?led on Dec. 28, 1989 now abandoned. methyl salicylate, or blends thereof. Both natural and
arti?cial Wintergreen ?avors have methyl salicylate as a
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION major component. Other naturally occurring oils which
The present invention relates to a method of treating contain methyl salicylate include sweet birch oil, betula
Wintergreen ?avors so as to eliminate the undesirable oil, and teaberry oil. Methyl salicylate may be added to
off-notes occasionally associated therewith when such the aforesaid naturally occurring oils to enhance their
?avors are utilized in confectionary or medicinal prod ?avor character. The present invention contemplates
ucts. More particularly, the present invention relates to the blending of the aforesaid ?avors with any other
a method of treating ?avors and ?avor blends having 5 ?avor of food acceptable quality, with the subsequent
natural Wintergreen oil, arti?cial Wintergreen oil treatment of the resulting blend according to the
methyl salicylate, and blends thereof with other ?avors. method of the present invention. Examples of ?avors
Flavors having Wintergreen and/or methyl salicylate which may be blended with Wintergreen or methyl
as a component may exhibit undesirable off-notes of salicylate containing ?avors and subsequently treated
varying intensity which have been characterized as 20 according to the method of the present invention in
being soapy, medicinal, antiseptic, musty. bitter, solv clude essential oils, synthetic ?avors, or mixtures
enty, chemical. and plastic. It has been postulated that thereof, including but not limited to, oils derived from
these ?avors contain an impurity which is responsible plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences, pep
for the undesirable off-notes occasionally associated permint oil, spearmint oil, clove oil, anise and the like.
therewith. Pursuant to the foregoing hypothesis, analyt 25 Also exemplary of ?avor blends which contain methyl
ical tests have been conducted which show the presence salicylate are root beer, traditional bubblegum ?avor,
of phenol in these ?avors, and that the amount of phe and "tuity fruity." Arti?cial ?avoring components are
nol present is directly related to the intensity of the also contemplated for blending with methyl salicylate
undesirable off-note. However, spiking "good" winter based ?avor and subsequent treatment according to the
green ?avor (i.e. ?avor lacking undesirable off~notes) method of the present invention. Those skilled in the art
with phenol does not impart undesirable off-notes to the will recognize that natural and arti?cial ?avors may be
good ?avor. Accordingly, it is presently believed that combined with Wintergreen and methyl salicylate con
phenol is not the only, or perhaps not even the primary, taining ?avors in any manner. All such ?avors and
contaminant responsible for the undesirable off-notes 35 blends are contemplated for use in the method of the
associated with the methyl salicylate based ?avor. In present invention.
fact, the phenol may simply be an indicator for the In accordance with the method of the present inven
presence of some other unknown contaminant responsi tion, the ?avor is washed with an aqueous alkaline solu
tion having a pH in the range from about 8 to about 14.
ble for the undesirable off-notes associated with ?avors
The aqueous alkaline solution should be sufficiently
having wintergreen oil and/or methyl salicylate as a
concentrated so as to efficiently remove the unwanted
component.
impurities responsible for the undesirable off-notes.
Whatever may be the cause of the undesirable off
However, excessively concentrated alkaline solutions
notes manifested by such ?avors, it has unexpectedly should be avoided as such solutions adversely effect the
been discovered that washing the ?avor with an aque ?avor characteristics of "good" ?avor. Preferably, the
ous alkaline solution eliminates the undesirable off-notes 45 aqueous alkaline solution will have a pH in the range
associated therewith without otherwise adversely af from about 10 to about 14. Most preferably, however,
fecting the ?avor. the aqueous alkaline solution will have a pH of about 13.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Various aqueous alkaline solutions are contemplated
for use in the method of the present invention. Exam
In accordance with one embodiment of the present 50 ples of such aqueous alkaline solutions include potas
invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing sium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and similar solu
a chewing gum having a ?avor comprising methyl sali tions well known by those skilled in the art. Whatever
cylate wherein the chewing gum is free of the undesire the aqueous alkaline solution selected for use in the
able off-notes sometimes associated with products in method of the present invention, it is preferred that the
corporating methyl salicylate based ?avors. The 55 solution have a normality (N) of about 0.01 to about 0.5.
method comprises washing the ?avor with an aqueous More preferably, the aqueous alkaline solution will
alkaline solution having a pH in the range from about 8 havew a normality in the range from about 0.05 to about
to about 14, whereupon the washed ?avor is mixed with 0.2. The most preferred aqueous alkaline solution con
the chewing gum so that the ?avor comprises from templated for use in the method of the present invention
about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the chewing is an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide having a
gum. -
normality (N) of about 0.1.
In accordance with another embodiment of the pres The amount of aqueous alkaline solution necessary to
ent invention, there is provided a method of treating a wash the ?avoring can vary greatly. Generally, the
?avor comprising methyl salicylate so as to eliminate more concentrated the aqueous alkaline solution (i.e.
the undesirable off-notes associated therewith. This 65 the higher the pH), the less alkaline solution necessary
method comprises washing the ?avor with an aqueous to wash the ?avor. However, as excessively concen
alkaline solution having a pH in the range from about 8 trated alkaline solutions will adversely affect good"
to about 14. ?avor, it is more desirable to use greater volumes of less
 5,128,154
3 4
concentrated alkaline solution and a greater number of use both methods of removing residual moisture. In
repeat washings than to use solutions with excessively these cases. the washed ?avor should be centrifuged
high pH. Preferably, where the aqueous alkaline solu ?rst, then treated with a drying agent as described
tion used to wash the ?avor has a normality in the range above. The treated ?avor is then ready for use in all
from about 0.01 to about 0.5, from about l volume to types of confectionary and medicinal products.
about 5 volumes aqueous alkaline solution should be A presently preferred use for the ?avor treated ac
used per 1 volume ?avor being washed. Most prefera cording to the method of the present invention is the
bly. about 2 volumes to about 3 volumes aqueous alka incorporation of the treated ?avor into chewing gum.
line solution will be utilized per 1 volume ?avor being The treated ?avor may be mixed with the chewing gum
washed. The aforesaid ratios of aqueous alkaline solu ingredients at any time during the manufacturing pro
tion to ?avor are utilized for each of one or more wash cess.
ings. In general, a chewing gum composition comprises a
The ?avor may be washed with the aqueous alkaline water soluble bulk portion, a water insoluble chewable
solution pursuant to any method of washing known by gum base portion, and, typically water insoluble ?avors.
those skilled in the art. For example, washing can be The water soluble portion dissipates with a portion of
carried out on a small scale by gently shaking the two the ?avor over a period of time during chewing. The
immiscible liquids in a separatory funnel for about 20 gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout
minutes. The resulting mixture is allowed to stand for an the chew. -
amount of time sufficient to permit the mixture to sepa The insoluble gum base generally comprises elasto
rate into two layers. The lower organic layer containing 20 mers, resins, fats and oils, waxes, softeners and inor
the ?avor is drained off and retained, while the upper ganic ?llers. Elastomers may include polyisobutylene,
aqueous layer is discarded. The washing may be re isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, styrene butadiene rub
peated one or more times. Similarly, washing can be - ber, as well as natural latexes such as chicle. Resins
carried out on a larger scale by using well known analo include polyvinylacetate and terpene resins. Fats and
gous production techniques, as, for example, a Lightnin 25 oils may also be included in the gum base including
mixer. tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vege
A third alternative washing technique is the use of a table oils and cocoa butter. Commonly employed waxes
continuous washing system wherein ?avor and alkaline include paraf?n, microcrystalline, and natural waxes
solution are continually supplied, circulated, and re such as beeswax and camauba. The insoluble gum base
moved in a continuous process. The method of the constitutes between about 5 to about 95 weight percent
present invention contemplates the use of any continous of the gum. Preferably, the insoluble gum base com
washing system known by those skilled in the art. prises about lO to about 50 weight percent of the gum,
After washing, the residual moisture remaining in the and more preferably about 20 to about 30 weight per
organic ?avor layer may optionally be removed. Prefer cent.
ably. however, residual moisture will be removed from 35 The gum base typically also includes a ?ller compo
the organic ?avor layer prior to its addition to chewing nent. The ?ller component may be calcium carbonate,
gum or any other confectionary product to which it is magnesium carbonate, talc, dicalcium phosphate, and
to be introduced. The residual moisture is removed the like. The ?ller may constitute between about 5 to
primarily for two reasons. First. the residual moisture about 60 weight percent of the gum base. Preferably,
may over time cause degradation of the ?avor. Se 40 the ?ller comprises about 5 to 50 weight percent of the
condly. residual moisture may contain traces of the chewing gum base.
impurity responsible for the ?avors undesirable off The gum base typically also contains softeners, in
notes. The residual moisture remaining with the ?avor cluding glycerol monostearate and glycerol triacetate.
after washing may be removed by any technique known Further, gum bases may also contain optional ingredi
by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the organic ?a 45 ents such as antioxidants, colors and emulsi?ers. The
vor-containing liquid layer will be centrifuged for about present invention contemplates employing any com
15 to about 20 minutes until clear. Any commercially mercially acceptable gum base.
available centrifuge known in the art is contemplated The water soluble portion of chewing gum may fur
for use in the method of the present invention. Alter ther comprises softeners, sweeteners, ?avors and com
nately, the residual moisture can be removed by mixing 50 binations thereof. The softeners are added to the chew
a drying agent with the organic ?avor layer. Examples ing gum in order to optimize the chewability and mouth
of suitable drying agents include calcium sulfate, cal feel of the gum. Softeners, also known in the art as
cium chloride, sodium sulfate, as well as other such plasticizers or plasticizing agents, generally constitute
similar drying agents known by those skilled in the art. between about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent of the
Preferably, anhydrous sodium sulfate is contemplated 55 chewing gum. Softeners contemplated by the present
for use as the drying agent. The amount of drying agent invention include glycerin, lecithin and combinations
added to the ?avor layer will depend on the amount of thereof. Further, aqueous sweetener solutions such as
residual moisture present therein. Generally, an amount those containing sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydro
of drying agent should be mixed with the ?avor layer sylates, corn syrup and combinations thereof may be
suf?cient to remove all traces of cloudiness therein. 60 used as softeners and binding agents in gum.
Once having absorbed and/or adsorbed the organic Sweeteners contemplated by the present invention
?avor layer's residual moisture, the drying agent is for use in chewing gum include both sugar and sugarless
removed by ?ltering the organic ?avor layer. Any ?l .components. Sugar sweeteners generally include sac
tering method known by those skilled in the art is con charide-containing components commonly known in
templated for use by the method of the present inven 65 the chewing gum art which comprise but are not limited
tion. Such method include, for example, gravity ?ltra to sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert
tion, vacuum filtration, and pressure ?ltration through sugar, fructose, levelose, galactose, corn syrup solids,
suitable ?lter media. In some cases it may be desirable to and the like, alone or in any combination. Sugarless
 5,128,154
5 6
sweeteners include components with sweetening char
acteristics but are devoid of the commonly known sug EXAMPLES
ars and comprise but are not limited to sugar alcohols Example 1
such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch A starting ?avor blend containing about 66% arti?c
hydrosylates, maltitol, and the like, alone or in any ial oil of Wintergreen and about 34% of other ?avors
combination. Also contemplated for direct addition to (mostly peppermint oil and peppermint components)
the gum are relatively faster releasing high intensity was known to have an undesirable off-note. Gas chro
sweeteners such as aspartame, sucrose, acesulfane-K. matographic analysis showed a phenol level of about
alitame, and saccharin. 135 parts per million (ppm) by weight in the above
Those skilled in the art will recognize that any combi described ?avor blend.
nation of sugar and/or sugarless sweeteners may be Four grams of sodium hydroxide was dissolved in
employed in the chewing gum. Further, those skilled in one liter of distilled water to make a 0.1 normal solution
the art will recognize a sweetener may be present in a with a pH of about 13. To a separatory funnel, 30 milli
chewing gum in whole or in part as a water soluble liters of the ?avor blend described above and 70 milli
bulking agent. In addition, the softener may be com liters of the sodium hydroxide solution were added. The
bined with a sweetener such as an aqueous sweetener mixture was then agitated vigorously for about 20 min
solution. utes after which the lower organic liquid phase contain
The treated ?avor can be used in a chewing gum in ing the ?avor blend was drained off and the upper aque
amounts of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent, and ous phase was discarded. The once-washed ?avor blend
preferably from about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of was then analyzed by gas chromatography and found to
the gum. Flavors contemplated by the present invention contain about 65 ppm of phenol. A small quantity of this
include any liquid ?avoring which is of food acceptable once-washed ?avor was set aside for sensory testing.
quality. More precisely, the present invention contem. The above described wash procedure was repeated
plates the use of ?avors of food acceptable quality that 25 with the once-washed ?avor blend, the resulting thrice
contain at least in part either natural or arti?cial winter washed ?avor blend was then analyzed pursuant to gas
green oil and/or methyl salicylate, and/or blends chromatography. The resulting ?avor blend, having
thereof. The aforesaid ?avor may be blended with other twice been washed according to the method of the
essential oils, synthetic ?avors, or mixtures thereof, present invention, had a phenol level of about 35 ppm.
including but not limited to oils derived from plants and A portion of the twice-washed ?avor was set aside for
fruits such as citrus oils, fruit essences, peppermint oil, sensory testing.
spearmint oil, clove oi], anise, and the like. Arti?cial The above described procedure was repeated with
?avoring components are also contemplated by the the twice-washed ?avor, the resulting thrice-washed
present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize ?avor was then analyzed by gas chromatography and
that the natural and arti?cial ?avors may be combined found to have a phenol level below the threshold level
in any manner. of detection-about 5 ppm. This thrice-washed ?avor
Ingredients such as colors, emulsi?ers, and pharma was likewise set aside for sensory testing.
ceutical agents may be added to the chewing gum. In order to remove the residual water remaining in
In general, chewing gum is manufactured by sequen 40 the washed ?avors, sodium sulfate was added to all
tially adding the various chewing gum ingredients to three ?avor samples mentioned above until cloudiness
any commercially available known mixer known in the disappeared. The above mixtures were then agitated
art. After the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, brie?y and ?ltered to remove the sodium sulfate.
the gum mass is discharged from the mixer and shaped The above three ?avor solutions were incorporated
into the desired forms such as by rolling into sheets and 45 into sugar solutions for taste tests. The sugar solutions
cutting into sticks, extruding into chunks, or casting into were prepared by pipetting 0.1 milliliters of the ?avor
pellets. Generally, the ingredients are mixed by ?rst into a 10 milliliter volumetric ?ask which was then
melting the gum base and adding it to the running ?lled to volume with 95% ethanol. One milliliter of the
mixer. The base may also be melted in the mixer itself. aforesaid mixture was then added to a 100 milliliter
Color may also be added at this time. A softener such as 50 volumetric ?ask, which was then ?lled to volume with
glycerinmay then be added next along with syrup and 5% weight/volume aqueous sucrose solution.
a portion of bulking agent. Further portions of the bulk
ing agents may be added to the mixer. It is to be under Taste Test #1
stood that under proper conditions, the treated ?avor of Three solutions prepared as above were taste-tested
the present invention may be added at any time during by ?ve expert panelists in a blind taste test. Speci?cally,
the gum manufacturing process. a ?avor blend known to have no undesirable off-notes
The entire mixing procedure typically takes from was incorporated into a sugar solution as a control (the
about 5 minutes to about 15 minutes, but longer mixing "good" ?avor). The above described starting ?avor
times may sometimes be required. blend having 135 ppm phenol was incorporated into a
Those skilled in the art will recognize that variations sugar solution as described above. Finally, the "once
of the above described procedure may be followed. It is washed" ?avor blend described above having 65 ppm
to be understood that an equivalent of changes and phenol was likewise incorporated into a sugar solution
modi?cations of the embodiments described above are as described above. Two of the ?ve panelists described
also contemplated by the present invention. The follow 65 the starting blend ?avor having 135 ppm phenol as
ing examples are not to be construed as limitations upon having undesirable off-notes. The other two samples
the present invention, but are included merely as an were described as having no undesirable off~notes by all
illustration of the various embodiments. ?ve of the panelists.
 5,128,154
7 8
resulting emulsion was placed in a separatory funnel
Taste Test #2 and allowed to separate overnight. '
Sugar solutions incorporating the following ?avors The emulsion separated into two layers, a top clear.
were prepared as described above. Speci?cally, the yellowish layer and a bottom milky, opaque layer con
following ?avors were incorporated into super solu taining the ?avor. The bottom ?avor-containing or
tions: the good ?avor blend known to have no undesir ganic layer was drawn off in portions and centrifuged at
able off-notes; the starting ?avor blend having 135 ppm 3,000 RPM for about 12 to about 15 minutes, until the
phenol. the twice-washed ?avor blend having 35 ppm layer yielded a clear liquid having ?ne insoluble drop
phenol, and the thrice-washed ?avor having less than 5 lets ?oating on the top and dispersed throughout the
ppm phenol. After blind taste tests, all ?ve of the panel
ists described the starting ?avor blend as manifesting liquid. The insoluble droplets comprised residual mois
undesirable off-notes. The other three sugar solutions ture remaining after washing the ?avor and were re
containing the ?avor blend described above, however, moved by using approximately 10 grams sodium sulfate.
did not have undesirable off-notes associated therewith The sodium sulfate was then ?ltered out of the ?avor by
according to each of the ?ve panelists. 15 gravity ?ltration through ?lter paper.
After completing the above steps, the amount of
Example 2 ?avor recovered was determined to by 180 ml. As the
The wash procedure described above in Example l above process began with 200 ml of ?avor, the method
was repeated with the same starting ?avor blend except of the present invention provides for at least a 90%
that the starting ?avor blend was subjected to two 20 recovery of the ?avor. Furthermore, the recovered
washings as opposed to three. The twice-washed ?avor ?avor had its phenol level reduced to about 52 ppm
blend was determined to have about 30 ppm phenol phenol.
according to gas chromatography. A chewing gum was
prepared having the composition speci?ed below for Example 4
use in the present example. 25 In this example, 14 pounds of the starting ?avor de
TABLE I scribed in Example 1 having about 135 ppm by weight
7: by weight of phenol were mixed with about 42 pounds 0.1N sodium
Components the chewing gum hydroxide solution. The resulting mixture was agitated
Sorbitol 45.86 for 20 minutes and then allowed to seperate overnight.
Gum Base 2680 The ?avor containing organic layer was drawn off and
Hydrogenated Starch 7.80
Hydrolysate Syrup dried by mixing the organic layer with about 5.5 pounds
Glycerin 8.94 of sodium sulfate. Thereafter, the sodium sulfate was
Mannitol 8.00 ?ltered out of the ?avor layer by gravity ?ltration
Aspartame 0.24
Color 0.12 35 through ?lter paper.
Wintergreen Blendl 1.70 The ?avor was then measured for its phenol content
Peppermint Flavor2 0.54 and found to have about 47 ppm phenol-a reduction in
1007: phenol content of about 66%. Accordingly, as this ex
{The Wintergreen Blend l\ the ?an" described in Example I abote. ample demonstrates, the method of the present inven
A mixture of peppermint oil and peppermint Oll components
tion can be utilized on a manufacturing scale.
Three batches of chewing gum were prepared ac We claim:
cording to the formulations of TABLE 1. One batch 1. A method of manufacturing a wintergreen-?a
employed the starting wintergreen ?avor blend of Ex vored chewing gum being substantially free of undesir
ample ] having a phenol content of about 135 ppm. A able off-notes comprising the following steps:
second control batch used a known good wintergreen 45 providing a ?avor consisting of methyl salicylate;
?avor blend. Finally, the third batch utilized the twice providing an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH in
washed wintergreen ?avor blend having 30 ppm phe the range from about 8 to about 14 and selected
nol. The three chewing gums were evaluated by expert from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide,
panelists in a four minute chew. potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium
The control chewing gum was described as having carbonate and mixtures thereof;
"clean high quality ?avor. The chewing gum using the washing the ?avor with the aqueous alkaline solution;
twice-washed ?avor was similarly described by each of providing a chewing gum composition; and
the ?ve panelists. However, the chewing gum utilizing mixing the washed ?avor with the chewing gum
the starting wintergreen ?avor blend of Example l composition so that the ?avor comprises from
having 135 ppm phenol was described as having a ?a 55 about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the chewing
vor with undesirable off-notes described as "soapy,"
"solventy," and "chemical. Furthermore, this chewing gum composition.
gum was described as lacking intense wintergreen ?a 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the washing of the
vor.
?avor with the aqueous alkaline solution comprises a
continous process.
Example 3 3. The method of claim 1 wherein residual moisture is
In this example, 200 milliliters (ml) of the starting removed from the ?avor after the ?avor has been
?avor described in Example 1 having about 135 ppm by washed with the aqueous alkaline solution.
weight phenol were mixed with 466 ml of a 0.1N so 4. The method of claim 3 wherein residual moisture is
dium hydroxide solution. The resulting mixture was 65 removed from the ?avor by centrifugation.
placed in a 1,000 ml stainless steel beaker and agitated 5. The method of claim 3 wherein residual moisture is
for 20 minutes with a Lightnin mixer having an average removed from the ?avor pursuant to the additional
speed of about 300 rotations per minute (RPM). The steps comprising:
 5,128,154
10
mixing the ?avor and an amount of drying agent potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate. sodium
sufficient to remove residual moisture present in carbonate and mixtures thereof; and
the ?avor; and i . washing the ?avor with the aqueous alkaline solution.
?ltering the ?avor so as to remove the drying agent. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the washing of
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the drying agent 5 the ?avor with the aqueous alkaline solution comprises
comprises a drying agent selected from the group con a continous process.
sisting of sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium 19. The method of claim 17 further comprising the
sulfate. and mixtures thereof. step of removing residual moisture from the ?avor after
7. The method of claim 3 wherein residual moisture is the ?avor has been washed with the aqueous alkaline
removed from the ?avor pursuant to the steps compris solution.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein residual moisture
ing: is removed from the ?avor by centrifugation.
centrifuging the ?avor; 21. The method of claim 19 wherein residual moisture
mixing the ?avor and an amount of drying agent is removed from the ?avor pursuant to the additional
sufficient to remove the residual moisture present steps comprising:
in the ?avor; and mixing the flavor and an amount of drying agent
?ltering the ?avor so as to remove the drying agent. sufficient to remove residual moisture present in
8. The method of claim 3 wherein the aqueous alka the ?avor; and '
line solution has a pH in the range from about 10 to ?ltering the ?avor so as to remove the drying agent.
about 14. 20 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the drying agent
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the aqueous alka comprises an agent selected from the group consisting
line solution has a normality in the range from about of sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, and
0.01 to about 0.5. mixtures thereof.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the aqueous alka 23. The method of claim 19 wherein residual moisture
line solution has a normality in the range from about 25 is removed from the ?avor pursuant to the steps com
0.05 to about 0.2. prising:
11. The method of claim 10 wherein from about 1 centrifuging the ?avor;
volume ?avor is washed with from about 1 volume to mixing the ?avor and an amount of drying agent
about 5 volumes aqueous alkaline solution. sufficient to remove the residual moisture present
12. The method of claim 11 wherein from about 1 30 in the ?avor; and
volume ?avor is washed with from about 2 volumes to ?ltering the ?avor so as to remove the drying agent.
about 3 volumes aqueous alkaline solution. 24. The method of claim 19 wherein the aqueous
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the aqueous alkaline solution has a pH in the range from about 10 to
alkaline solution has a pH of about 13. about 14.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the aqueous 35 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the aqueous
alkaline solution consisting of a solution of sodium hy alkaline solution has a normality in the range from about
droxide. 0.01 to about 0.5.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the washing is 26. The method of claim 24 wherein the aqueous
repeated one or more times. alkaline solution has a normality in the range from about
16. A method of manufacturing a Wintergreen-?a 0.05 to about 0.2.
vored chewing gum being substantially free of undesir 27. The method of claim 26 wherein from about 1
able off-notes comprising the following steps: volume ?avor is washed with from about 1 volume to
providing a ?avor consisting of methyl salicylate; about 5 volumes aqueous alkaline solution.
providing an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution 28. The method of claim 27 wherein from about 1
45 volume ?avor is washed with from about 2 volumes to
having a normality in the range from about 0.5 to
about 0.2 and having a pH in the range from about
about 3 volumes aqueous alkaline solution.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the aqueous
10 to about 14;
alkaline solution has a pH of about 13.
washing about 1 volume of the ?avor with from 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the aqueous
about 1 volume to about 5 volumes of the sodium alkaline solution is a solution of sodium hydroxide.
hydroxide solution; 31. The method of claim 27 wherein the washing is
removing residual moisture from the ?avor; repeated one or more times.
providing a chewing gum composition; and 32. A method of treating ?avor so as to eliminate the
mixing the washed ?avor with the chewing gum undesirable off-notes associated therewith comprising
composition so that the ?avor comprises from 55 the following steps:
about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the chewing providing a ?avor consisting of methyl salicylate;
gum composition. providing a sodium hydroxide solution having a nor
17. A method of treating ?avor so as to eliminate the mality in the range from about 0.05 to about 0.2 and
undesirable off-notes associated therewith comprising a pH in the range from about 10 to about 14;
the following steps: washing about 1 volume of the ?avor with from
providing a ?avor consisting of methyl salicylate; about 1 volume to about 5 volumes of the sodium
providing an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH in hydroxide solution; and
_ the range from about 8 to about 14 and selected removing residual moisture from the ?avor.
form the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, 0 $ 0 '

65