How Sugar is Made
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Mindful_Trent
Posts: 3,954 Member
If I weren't already working to switch from using common table sugar to natural forms - honey, stevia (I'm growing my own plants), this would convince me to do so. Common table sugar (the white stuff) and even the "raw sugar" (the brown, larger crystals) is in no way "natural" - it is VERY highly processed. Here is the process by which sugar cane is turned into the sugar we use today:
1)First, the cane field is set on fire to remove dead leaves. Then the stalks are harvested from the field.
2)After being transported to the refinery, the cane is chopped or shredded before it is crushed in large roller mills which releases raw sugar cane juice. Sugar cane juice contains sugar, dirt, and pieces of cane pulp.
3)From there, calcium hydroxide is added to the juice and carbon dioxide is bubbled through the mixture, which helps to clarify the juice by creating insoluble calcium compounds. The calcium hydroxide also raises the juice's pH level. With the help of polyacrylamides, calcium compounds , muds, and other impurities are filtered out of the juice.
4)Next, the juice travels to a filter where it is treated with activated carbon.
5) After being filtered, the juice is sent through an evaporator to remove water, causing the juice to thicken.The juice is then sent to a boiler where it is heated in a vacuum and fine "seed crystals" are added to aid in the formation of sugar crystals.
6)Crystallization leaves behind a substance called "mother liquor" that will ultimately be made into molasses. To separate the sugar crystals from the mother liquor, they are put into a centrifuge. The final product is raw sugar, which is ready to be refined into white sugar.
7)The refining process begins with affination, where the raw sugar crystals are melted into a syrup, dissolving the remaining molasses. Then the sugar is washed.
8)From there, the sugar is clarified and decolored--either with phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide or with calcium dioxide.
9)Finally, the solution is boiled one last time to concentrate it into white granulated sugar crystals.
10) Brown sugar follows the same production process as white sugar. Molasses is added at the very end, giving brown sugar its color and name.
SOURCE: http://sweetscam.com/how-its-made/ (I did look at various sources, and they all agree to this same basic process, though some don't specify what chemicals are being used - I like that this explanation specifies the chemicals used in the process.)
1)First, the cane field is set on fire to remove dead leaves. Then the stalks are harvested from the field.
2)After being transported to the refinery, the cane is chopped or shredded before it is crushed in large roller mills which releases raw sugar cane juice. Sugar cane juice contains sugar, dirt, and pieces of cane pulp.
3)From there, calcium hydroxide is added to the juice and carbon dioxide is bubbled through the mixture, which helps to clarify the juice by creating insoluble calcium compounds. The calcium hydroxide also raises the juice's pH level. With the help of polyacrylamides, calcium compounds , muds, and other impurities are filtered out of the juice.
4)Next, the juice travels to a filter where it is treated with activated carbon.
5) After being filtered, the juice is sent through an evaporator to remove water, causing the juice to thicken.The juice is then sent to a boiler where it is heated in a vacuum and fine "seed crystals" are added to aid in the formation of sugar crystals.
6)Crystallization leaves behind a substance called "mother liquor" that will ultimately be made into molasses. To separate the sugar crystals from the mother liquor, they are put into a centrifuge. The final product is raw sugar, which is ready to be refined into white sugar.
7)The refining process begins with affination, where the raw sugar crystals are melted into a syrup, dissolving the remaining molasses. Then the sugar is washed.
8)From there, the sugar is clarified and decolored--either with phosphoric acid and calcium hydroxide or with calcium dioxide.
9)Finally, the solution is boiled one last time to concentrate it into white granulated sugar crystals.
10) Brown sugar follows the same production process as white sugar. Molasses is added at the very end, giving brown sugar its color and name.
SOURCE: http://sweetscam.com/how-its-made/ (I did look at various sources, and they all agree to this same basic process, though some don't specify what chemicals are being used - I like that this explanation specifies the chemicals used in the process.)
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Replies
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Wow! This makes me want to make everything with natural sweeteners also! Thank you for the info! I'm passing it on!0
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Wow! This makes me want to make everything with natural sweeteners also! Thank you for the info! I'm passing it on!
Just a heads up - even the "natural" sugars in most stores have been processed and have added ingredients. I was annoyed that the stevia I bought had inulin added to it. It's supposed to be harmless, but I think I'd rather just grow my own! I think you can get 100% pure stevia, but I would imagine it's a bit more expensive. If you look on the internet, I saw vendors selling the stevia leaves, if you don't want to grow your own. Obviously you'll want to be careful and make sure you're buying from a legit source.
Raw, Unfiltered honey is something I use in addition to Stevia. Some people use agave nectar, but that same site I got this info from says that agave nectar is processed with enzymes - it's more processed than honey.0 -
But things like honey, we get from a friend who has bee boxes. I can use honey in cookies, coffee, tea, and some cakes.
I'll look into the Stevia. Next spring, I'm growing my own veggies, so I don't have to buy any. I don't like the idea of all the pesticides on what I eat.0 -
But things like honey, we get from a friend who has bee boxes. I can use honey in cookies, coffee, tea, and some cakes.
I'll look into the Stevia. Next spring, I'm growing my own veggies, so I don't have to buy any. I don't like the idea of all the pesticides on what I eat.
Wow, that's great that you can get honey from someone you know! I'm jealous.
I'm from Colorado, so I just try to buy raw, unfiltered Colorado honey. Luckily our grocery stores sell several brands. I'll be using more honey more than anything for now, since my Stevia plants are babies. The reason I'd like to use Stevia as well, though (once i can grow my plants more), is that Stevia is essentially calorie free. I imagine if I use the whole leaves ground into a powder, it will have minimal calories, but much less than honey. 0 -
Yeah. We're pretty lucky. Sometimes she leaves the honey in the honeycomb for a nice crunchy treat. Mmmm! So, can I get stevia anywhere in any plant market? Or Walmart, perhaps? Do you have to buy the seeds or just a seedling?0
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Yeah. We're pretty lucky. Sometimes she leaves the honey in the honeycomb for a nice crunchy treat. Mmmm! So, can I get stevia anywhere in any plant market? Or Walmart, perhaps? Do you have to buy the seeds or just a seedling?
I've read that stevia plants are VERY difficult to grow from seed - they have a very low success rate. I purchased 4 stevia plants from a grower off Amazon.com for $10 plus shipping - less than $20 altogether. I figure if they die, I'm not out too much money! They arrived in wonderful condition, and I sampled a leaf and they're very sweet! http://www.amazon.com/Stevia-Herb-Plants-Amazing-Sugar/dp/B001N186V0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1284134358&sr=8-3
If you can find it at a local farmer's market that would be great - I would be suprised if Walmart type nurserys carry it.0 -
Alright. See how much I know about growing plants? haha Thank you for all the info!0
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I'm not being funny, but what's the nutritional value of natural vs processed?0
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I'm not being funny, but what's the nutritional value of natural vs processed?
Well, the processed sugars that are developed above are essentially empty carbohydrate calories with virtually no nutritous value whatsoever. 1 tsp of sugar has about 16 calories.
Honey has about 21 calories per tsp, but honey is sweeter than table sugar, so you don't have to use as much. Honey has a healthier Glycemic Index number than table sugar - it doesn't impact the blood sugar as much. Furthermore, honey has some vitamins and minerals in it - table sugar doesn't. Research also suggests that honey may serve as a minor antioxidant and contains prebiotics, which can help with good bacteria in our digestive system.
Stevia is essentially calorie free and much sweeter than table sugar. It does not impact blood sugar at all.
In the end, it's not the nutrition that's the biggest factor for me, but the fact that I don't want to subject my body to something THAT processed with chemicals. White sugar doesn't resemble the original sugar cane plant in any way.0 -
I'm not being funny, but what's the nutritional value of natural vs processed?
Well, the processed sugars that are developed above are essentially empty carbohydrate calories with virtually no nutritous value whatsoever. 1 tsp of sugar has about 16 calories.
Honey has about 21 calories per tsp, but honey is sweeter than table sugar, so you don't have to use as much. Honey has a healthier Glycemic Index number than table sugar - it doesn't impact the blood sugar as much. Furthermore, honey has some vitamins and minerals in it - table sugar doesn't. Research also suggests that honey may serve as a minor antioxidant and contains prebiotics, which can help with good bacteria in our digestive system.
Stevia is essentially calorie free and much sweeter than table sugar. It does not impact blood sugar at all.
In the end, it's not the nutrition that's the biggest factor for me, but the fact that I don't want to subject my body to something THAT processed with chemicals. White sugar doesn't resemble the original sugar cane plant in any way.
I AGREE! I am tempted to throw our sugar out right now. lol But, I'd rather wait until I get my Stevias. I ordered some, by the way. :bigsmile:0 -
Hmm, thanks for that.
I don't think it bothers me so much though as I never use sugar unless something has it in there already, but useful to know.
I gave up sugar (and milk) in coffee/tea 20 odd years ago when I left home and realised I'd have to pay for it myself :-)0 -
*Bump*0
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I was at a processing plant once and the sugar cane was just laying on the ground being ran over by large dozers and loaders.
All I could think of is how much oil, diesel and whatever has leaked on this before it even get inside...YUCKY!0 -
I am in no way tempted to throw out my sugar. Many people just don't know how their food is made. Have you ever watched a slaughterhouse video of how they kill and process your meat and poultry?0
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i already knew how it was made, and personally i dont think its all that bad..( and raw is alot better..i perfer the taste) but you can make sugar your self its not that hard.... it's way less complicated then chocolate0
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I am in no way tempted to throw out my sugar. Many people just don't know how their food is made. Have you ever watched a slaughterhouse video of how they kill and process your meat and poultry?
Good for you. To each his/her own... This thread is about sugar, not about meat.... that's a whole other topic. I posted this because many people are under the mistaken notion that table sugar is "natural" - it's not. It may start from something nature provides, but table sugar in no way resembles the original plant. This is just some information I volunteered - what everyone does (or doesn't do) with it is their own business.0 -
I am in no way tempted to throw out my sugar. Many people just don't know how their food is made. Have you ever watched a slaughterhouse video of how they kill and process your meat and poultry?
Good for you. To each his/her own... This thread is about sugar, not about meat.... that's a whole other topic. I posted this because many people are under the mistaken notion that table sugar is "natural" - it's not. It may start from something nature provides, but table sugar in no way resembles the original plant. This is just some information I volunteered - what everyone does (or doesn't do) with it is their own business.
Agreed. Cocaine is made from an extract process. THAT is another subject as well. haha Anyway...... My stevias died last week. I DO still have quite a bunch of dried up leaves. I'm going to get some more, though and try some different feeding methods. They started doing badly a few weeks ago, when I had to leave for a few days to go to my mom's house.0
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