Abstract

This article outlines the history of sugarcane as a source of sucrose sweetener, and traces the development of major industrial unit processes for sugar production. Chemical and physical properties of sucrose, specifically of cane sugar, are listed. Cultivation and harvest of sugarcane and product of either raw cane sugar or direct consumption (plantation white) cane sugar are described. Production of noncentrifugal cane sugar is described briefly. Yields and production statistics for recent years are given, and production figures are listed throughout. Processes for refining raw sugar into refined white and brown products are delineated, and the products and their standards are described. Other products from cane sugar and sugarcane are described.