How Sugar Is Made

Sugar is a sweet ingredient used in cooking and baking all around the world. Most sugar comes from two plants: sugarcane and sugar beets. Sugarcane is a tall grass that grows in tropical places, while sugar beets grow in cooler climates. Turning these plants into the white sugar you see at home takes many steps.

From Plant to Sugar

Sugarcane stalks are crushed to squeeze out their sweet juice. The juice is boiled until water evaporates and sugar crystals start to form. These raw crystals are brown and sticky. They are washed and filtered to remove the brown color and impurities. The result is the white sugar crystals we use in baking and cooking.

Types of Sugar

There are many types of sugar. White sugar is the most common kind used in baking. Brown sugar still has some of the natural molasses left in it, giving it a darker color and richer flavor. Powdered sugar is white sugar ground into a very fine powder. Raw sugar has larger crystals and a light brown color. Each type works best in different recipes.

Fun Facts

• Sugarcane is actually a type of grass that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
• Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane.
• The average American eats about 57 pounds of added sugar each year.

Did You Know?

Sugar was once so rare and expensive that it was called "white gold" and kept locked in special sugar boxes!