Sugarcane is a tall tropical grass.
Sugarcane is a tall tropical grass, a species of Saccharum and in the Gramineae family, that originated in Asia. First cultivated for sugar in the middle ages, the sugarcane now supplies more than 70 percent of the world's sugar.
Harvesting
To harvest sugar from the cane, the cane is pressed to extract the juice. The juice is then evaporated, leaving behind a dark, sticky substance which is then further refined to produce the white crystal sugar we are most familiar with. The part of the plant nearest to the roots produces the most sugar.
Uses
Besides sugar, sugarcane also makes molasses, cane syrup and rum. It can also be used to produce ethanol, a type of alcohol.
Geography
Sugarcane grows as far north as Spain and as south as South Africa. In America, it is farmed in Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Hawaii.
Fun Fact
The typical American consumes 65.4 pounds of sugar each year.
Tags: Sugarcane tall, Sugarcane tall tropical, tall tropical, tall tropical grass, tropical grass
