How sugar is made from sugar cane?

How Sugar is Made from Sugar Cane?

Sugar cane is one of the most ancient and widely cultivated crops in the world, with a history dating back over 4,000 years. The process of extracting sugar from sugar cane is a complex and labor-intensive process that involves several stages, from harvesting to refining. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of how sugar is made from sugar cane.

Harvesting

The first step in the sugar-making process is harvesting the sugar cane. Sugar cane is typically harvested when it is mature and has reached its maximum sugar content. There are two main methods of harvesting sugar cane: manual cutting and mechanized cutting.

• Manual Cutting: In some countries, sugar cane is still harvested manually by skilled laborers who use long knives or machetes to cut the cane.
• Mechanized Cutting: In most countries, sugar cane is harvested using specialized machines that can cut and collect the cane in a single operation.

Juicing

Once the sugar cane is harvested, it is transported to the sugar mill where it is processed into juice. The juice is extracted from the cane using a process called diffusion, which involves crushing the cane and then extracting the juice through a series of rollers and screens.

Clarification

The juice extracted from the sugar cane is called juice, which contains about 10-15% sucrose, 5-7% glucose, and 3-5% fructose. The juice is then clarified to remove impurities and sediment. This is done by adding lime (calcium oxide) to the juice, which reacts with the impurities to form a precipitate that can be removed.

Evaporation

The clarified juice is then heated in a series of evaporators to remove excess water and concentrate the sucrose. This process is called evaporation, and it is typically done in multiple stages to achieve the desired level of concentration.

Crystallization

The concentrated juice is then cooled and seeded with a small amount of sugar crystals to initiate crystallization. The mixture is then left to sit for several hours, allowing the sucrose to crystallize out of the solution.

Centrifugation

The resulting sugar crystals are then separated from the mother liquor (the liquid remaining after crystallization) using a centrifuge. The mother liquor is recycled back to the evaporation stage, while the sugar crystals are washed and dried to produce raw sugar.

Refining

Raw sugar is not yet suitable for human consumption, as it contains impurities and molasses. To produce refined sugar, the raw sugar is melted and then filtered through activated carbon to remove impurities. The sugar is then cooled and crystallized again to produce white sugar.

Table 1: Sugar Production Process

Conclusion

The process of making sugar from sugar cane is a complex and labor-intensive process that involves several stages, from harvesting to refining. Sugar cane is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, and the sugar produced from it is an essential ingredient in many food products. By understanding the process of how sugar is made from sugar cane, we can appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into producing this essential commodity.

Additional Facts

• Sugar Cane Variety: There are over 500 varieties of sugar cane, each with its own unique characteristics and sugar content.
• Sugar Cane Growth: Sugar cane is a tropical crop that requires a warm and humid climate to grow. It is typically grown in areas with average temperatures above 64°F (18°C).
• Sugar Production: The world produces over 170 million metric tons of sugar per year, with Brazil, India, and China being the top three sugar-producing countries.

References

• "Sugar Cane: A Guide to the Production and Processing of Sugar Cane" by the International Sugar Organization
• "Sugar Production: A Comprehensive Guide" by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• "How Sugar is Made" by the Sugar Association