The Sweet Plant

A journey through the world of cane sugar

Dear BEYOND readers,

Welcome to a sweet journey that takes us through time - from the pristine fields of New Guinea to modern cuisine. Cane sugar, not only a carrier of flavor but also a witness to human civilization, has a fascinating story to tell.

Botany

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) belongs to the sweet grass family (Poaceae) and is a perennial, tropical plant that is of central importance for sugar production. Originally from East Asia, sugar cane is now grown worldwide in all suitable climatic regions. It represents around 70% of global sugar production, making it one of the most important food crops. The largest sugarcane producers are Brazil, India and China. [1]

Botanically speaking, sugarcane is a perennial grass with long, cane-like stalks that are 2 to 4.5 cm in diameter and can reach a height of 3 to 6 meters. It has flat leaves and develops panicle-shaped, often downy inflorescences. The plant is characterized by its high sugar content in the juice of the stalks, which is obtained by pressing and further processed.

In Central European climates, sugar cane can also be cultivated in pots, provided there is warm and bright winter quarters and temperatures below 10°C are avoided. Care includes a balanced water and nutrient balance, regular watering and fertilizing during the growing season, and monitoring moisture requirements through daily checks.

Origins in New Guinea and the journey west

The history of cane sugar begins in New Guinea. From there it spread to Southwest Asia, where the Persians arrived in the 6th century B.C.E. marveled at the “pipe that gave honey without the use of bees”. Through Alexander the Great, sugar cane found its way to the Middle East, eventually playing a central role in global trade and colonial history.

For a long time, sugar was a valuable commodity reserved only for the rich. However, the discovery of America and the cultivation of sugar cane in the colonies changed everything. Sugar became the heart of the triangular trade and laid the foundation for today's sugar industry. With the introduction of sugar beet by Napoleon in response to the English blockade and the discoveries of the German chemist Marggraf, sugar production underwent a revolution. Sugar went from an expensive condiment to a staple for everyone. [2]

The production of sugar, whether from sugar cane or sugar beet, is a sophisticated process that goes from the field to the refinery. This process has evolved over centuries and is an example of human ingenuity and adaptability.

The cultivation and the harvest

Growing and harvesting sugarcane are complex processes that depend heavily on climatic conditions and the availability of resources such as water and labor. Sugarcane grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 25 and 30°C. It requires a lot of water, but must not stand in water otherwise the plant will rot. For this reason, hilly growing areas are advantageous.

Planting is done using cuttings that have two to four nodes and are placed in the ground either manually or mechanically. The cuttings are lightly covered with soil and the row spacing is usually 1.2 to 1.5 meters. Within a week or two, the cuttings will begin to emerge, forming roots and developing new stalks at the nodes. The row closure, i.e. the complete covering of the ground between the rows of plants by the growth of the plants, takes place after around 3 to 6 months. [3]

Harvest can occur 9 to 24 months after planting, depending on the sugar content and maturity of the plant. The stalks are cut off just above the ground and the sugarless leaf apparatus is removed at the top. This process was traditionally carried out by hand, but harvesting machines are increasingly being used. After the harvest, the remaining stalk stumps sprout again and can be harvested again after another 12 months. A stand of sugarcane can be harvested up to eight times, although the useful life varies depending on the country. In India, for example, it is two cuts, in Brazil it is up to five cuts. [4]

Working conditions in the sugar cane fields can be problematic as children are often used as workers and pay is generally very low. In Brazil, for example, plantation workers earn about 1.4 reais (about €0.60) per ton of sugar cane chopped. [5]

Final word

Concluding our comprehensive look at cane sugar, we see that this sweet resource is much more than just an everyday item in our kitchen. From its historical roots in the ancient civilizations of Asia to massive global production and importance today, sugarcane reflects deep insight into human culture, economics and even politics. It illustrates how a single agricultural commodity can power entire industries, shape nations, and even shape environmental and health discourses.

The cultivation methods, harvesting techniques and ongoing research to optimize sugar production illustrate technological progress and humanity's quest to use the earth's resources more sustainably. Nevertheless, challenges such as working conditions on plantations, the ecological impact of sugarcane cultivation and the health consequences of high sugar consumption remain key issues that require attention and action.

At a time when sustainability in food production and consumption is becoming increasingly important, cane sugar is at a critical juncture. Balancing meeting global demand for sugar while minimizing its negative impact on society and the environment requires a careful, informed approach. It is up to all of us to rise to this challenge - be it as consumers, producers or as part of the global community looking for better, fairer and more sustainable solutions.

Ultimately, the story of sugarcane reminds us that our food – and how we produce it – is inextricably linked to the history of humanity. By making more conscious choices about what ends up on our plates, we are shaping not only our own health, but also the future of our planet.

Warm regards,

Your Vanilla Concierge Team