Sugar

Sugarcane is a giant grass and has been cultivated in tropical climates in the Far East since ancient times. A great expansion in its production took place in the 18th century with the layout of sugar plantations in the West Indies and Americas. This was the first time that sugar became available to the common people who previously had to rely on honey to sweeten foods. Sugar beet is a root crop, is cultivated in cooler climates, with adequate rainfall and requires a fertile soil. It became a major source of sugar in the 19th century when methods for extracting the sugar became available. Sugar beet crop is harvested mechanically in the autumn and the crown of leaves and excess soil removed. The roots do not deteriorate rapidly and may be left in a clamp in the field for some weeks before being transported to the processing plant. Sugarcane crop is harvested mechanically or by hand, chopped into lengths and conveyed rapidly to the processing plant.