Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a tall tropical grass plant. The cane is tall and consists of thick stems similar to the bamboo plant. It is grown from stem cutting and not typically by seeds. Cut stalks are used for planting and growing the sugarcanes. The sugarcane stalk consists of sugar and water that is mainly used for sugar production.

Sugarcane is native to tropical Asian regions, where sugarcane has been cultivated for years. Southeast Asia contributes to the large production of sugarcane worldwide. Brazil is the top sugarcane producer in the world. They are a significant producer of sugarcane. Other large sugarcane producers in Asia are India, Thailand, and China. In the United States, sugarcane can be found in Hawaii and Florida due to the ideal climate.

Varieties of Sugarcanes

There are different types of sugarcane. The type of sugarcane has a unique purposeful use when planted. Sugarcane can be grown for crystallization or chewing purposes.

Basic types of sugarcane

• Chewing: soft chewing texture. This type of sugarcane is more suitable for chewing. It is also ideal for extracting cane juice; this type of cane is generally the most common and popular type.
• Crystal: high sugar concentration. Grown and produced for sugar. It is used for baking goods such as pastries. It is also nice for drinks like cold, refreshing lemonades.
• Syrup: contains sugar. Grown for making syrup. This can be used as a maple syrup for a variety of breakfast foods.

Besides sugarcane types, there are numerous varieties of sugarcane. The variety of sugarcane can be distinguished by the shape and color, from natural green to blue and red colors. 

Common varieties of sugarcane

• Blue Ribbon, also known as blue sugarcane, is a tall plant with a blend of gray, purple, and blue color tones. Great for juicing and cooking.
• Florida red, also known as sugarcane red, is a tall plant that is a mix of a dark brown, purple, and red color. This variety is ideal for juice making.
• Green German: a tall plant that is a natural green color. This variety is good for syrup. 

Benefits

Sugarcane has a number of health benefits. Sugarcane juice can be a nutritious juice when consumed occasionally and in moderation. The juice can help rehydrate the body and improve body health. It is also known to be used as a traditional medicine in various regions of the world. Several areas of South Asia, like India, use the juice for treatments of diseases.

Natural Sugarcane Juice Compared to Sugarcane Juice

Natural sugarcane juice without added ingredients is most likely always to be the better alternative when compared to processed sugarcane juices. Many sugarcane sodas and juices in packages sold at markets contain natural sugarcane juice but also contain the added preservatives and sugar. These types of market juices generally do not contain the same nutrients as freshly squeezed, extracted sugarcane juice. Although natural sugarcane juice is a much better alternative to other processed cane juices, it still should be consumed in moderation because of the natural sugar content sugarcane contains, which can lead to other health issues.

Availability & Purchase

Sugarcane plants are not normally available for purchase at garden centers in the states. It is a challenging plant to come across in garden stores or even fresh sugarcane in supermarkets in the United States. Online garden retailers would be the best bet for finding and purchasing sugar cane plants.

Fresh sugarcanes are widely available and sold throughout the Southeast Asian region. It is also widely available in Brazil and other areas of South America. In the states, fresh sugar canes can be bought through a variety of online retailers.

Canned sugarcane can be bought in supermarkets throughout Asian countries. Local Asian markets in the United States may have canned sugarcane available for purchase. Canned sugar cane in syrup can also be purchased online. Though it is a processed product, it is a convenient way of including it in meals or as a sweet snack.

Food & Drinks

Main uses for sugarcane are refined sugars, syrups, and sugarcane juice.

Natural Sugarcane Drink

Sugarcane is a naturally sweet and cool drink that is popular across the world. Sugarcane juice is more common where sugarcanes are typically grown, especially in tropical regions. There are numerous types of sugarcane juices in various regions of the world. South Asia is a particularly popular region in the world, where it is often consumed on the streets as a quick and tasty refreshment.

Color & Flavor

Natural sugarcane juice has a naturally sweet flavor similar to the taste of sugar water. It is a light green to yellow-colored juice. Processed sugar cane juices sold in markets may differ in color due to the added ingredient and the process the juice undergoes. 

International Natural Sugarcane Drinks

Africa

Egypt

Sugarcane juice is a popular drink that is available in many parts of the country, making this juice a notable part of Egyptian culture. It is known as Aseer Asab and can be found in various areas, such as by street vendors, supermarkets, fruit shops, and juice shops. Lemon is often added to sugarcane juices; this is for additional added taste and flavor to the juice.  

Morocco

In Morocco, sugarcane juice is known as aseer kasab; it is a well-known juice in Morocco. It is often available in various parts of the country. The juice can often be found in historical districts and street stalls. All natural sugarcane juice is served at an affordable price point for locals and tourists.

South America

Brazil

Cachaça is a very popular distilled alcoholic beverage and a great part of Brazilian culture. It is also known as the national drink of Brazil. Cachaça is primarily made in Brazil from fresh sugarcane, then undergoes several steps prior to being sold in markets. It is mainly sold in Brazil, though many online liquor retailers offer cachaça for purchase.

Sugarcane is a large producer of sugarcane, therefore making sugarcane a very popular refreshment in Brazil. In Brazil, it's called caldo de cana and is often sold on the beaches and by many street vendors. In Brazilian supermarkets, brands of sugarcane juices can be conveniently available for purchase. It may also be available at various Brazilian restaurants, especially in tourist areas of the country. 

Colombia

Another South American country popular for sugarcane juice. It is a refreshment that is widely available throughout the country, known as guarapo. It is often available in a variety of places, including parks, markets, restaurants, and on the streets by street vendors. Fresh lime can often be added for a balance of sweet and tangy flavor. 

South Asia & Southeast Asia

India

One of the largest producers of sugarcane, making sugarcane juice a popular drink in India. During the summer time, sugarcane juice is a common refreshment sold by street vendors. It is a cool and refreshing summer drink that is widely consumed during the hot season.

Indonesia

Sugarcane juice is quite popular throughout the country. It is known as a traditional drink in Indonesia. It is often available as a street drink sold in carts by street vendors. It may also be available in shopping malls. Iced sugarcane juice, also known as sari tebu, is available from many street vendors, served icy cold with ice cubes, and for extra flavor, lime or ginger.

Myanmar

Kyan ye sugarcane juice is a popular summer drink in Myanmar. It is often sold in markets and by street vendors. Different flavors can often be blended with Myanmar sugarcane juices, such as orange and lime. This creates a unique and tasteful cane juice for many locals and travelers.

Pakistan

Sugarcane juice is known as the official drink of Pakistan. It is a well-known and common drink throughout Pakistan. Sugarcane is an important crop for the country, being recognized as a valuable cash crop. Sugarcane juice is Ganne Ka Ras that is available on Pakistani streets by vendors. Flavors such as fresh lime juice or mint leaves are added for a flavorful sugarcane juice. 

Vietnam

For Vietnam, sugarcane juice is a staple and signature drink in the country. The juice is very popular during the hot summer season, where it is often sold at an inexpensive price by street vendors. Bagged freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is one way of enjoying the juice by traditional street vendors. The juice is served in small plastic bags with ice, a straw then tied with a rubber band. This is a unique way of enjoying the juice by locals and travelers. 

Store Natural Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice tends to go bad quite fast. The juice tends to have a short shelf life. This is one refreshment that is ideal to drink on the spot and not save it because it can get easily spoiled. The color tends to change fast as well within a short time frame, expiring rapidly. For long-term storage, which includes a few months, the freezer is the best option. Refrigerator storage is a good choice for a shorter term that includes a few hours.

Food

Sugarcane is processed into sugar, which is then used to make a variety of processed foods and baked desserts. Cane sugar is a type of sugar made from sugarcane that is common in baked foods such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. 

Recipe Ideas

• Sugarcane pineapple juice
• Sugarcane soft-serve ice cream
• Sugarcane vinaigrette

South Asia

Natural sugarcane juice and stalks can often be used in cooked foods throughout South Asian countries. The sugarcane can be used in a variety of unique ways in Asian cooking.

Drink Preparations and Cooking Ideas

• Juice combination of sugar cane and jackfruit or a hot sugarcane tea.
• Meats can be wrapped around the stalks of the sugarcane as skewers.
• Raw pieces of sugarcane can be used in soups.

South Asian Recipe Ideas

• Chao tom (Vietnamese sugar cane shrimp). This is shrimp wrapped with sugarcane.
• Kobba Sukke (an Indian sugarcane chickpea stir-fry dish)
• Roh Di Kheer (sugarcane juice rice pudding). Punjabi dessert.

Summary

Sugarcane is a unique and sweet-tasting grass plant. It also has amazing health benefits and is an important crop that provides several different benefits besides for consumption. Sugarcane is great because it can be used as a sweetener, consumed raw, or used in a variety of tasty dishes. Natural sugarcane juice is an amazing and delicious juice. This is one juice worth trying, all natural.