I have always loved sugarcane. In my teens, I would get a stick, remove the outer layer, and a “battle” would begin with my teeth to get the sugarcane juice. Now, looking back, I am amazed my teeth did not fall out given all the pulling and togging that I was engaged in.
To enjoy sugarcane, you usually do not eat the stick itself, but you suck out the juice from the inner part of the stick. The juice is very commonly used for producing sugar, molasses, and ethanol.
What is Sugarcane?
Sugarcane is scientifically known as Saccharum officinarum. It is a crop that grows well in areas that are warm, sunny, and have plenty of rainfall. It is not a small crop; it can grow up to 10–20 feet tall.
The stalk grows in joints and is filled with sweet juice. The belief is that it originated in Southeast Asia. Today, it is widely grown in countries such as Brazil, India, Thailand, and Nigeria.
How is Sugarcane Used?
Sugarcane has so many uses. The stalk is not really the main part. The juice is the crucial part of the sugarcane.
Fresh sugarcane juice is used as a beverage. Sometimes, the juice is processed to produce refined sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and jaggery (unrefined sugar). It can also be fermented to create ethanol, which is used in beverages, biofuels, and industrial applications.
Selecting and Eating Sugarcane
Just like agbalumo, selecting the best sugarcane is key. Always check to see if you can find canes that feel firm and have some weight to them.
Preparing Sugarcane
It’s a little weird to say you prepare the sugarcane since it is not something you cook however, there is some prepping involved.
The first thing I usually do is to thoroughly wash the sugarcane. Next, I trim both ends with a sharp knife. I then slice along the length of the cane, peel off the hard exterior without cutting too deep. I treat this process the same way I do plantains except plantains are softer. Once I have removed the hard outer layer or exterior, I rinse the peeled cane under clean water to remove any dirt or debris. This way, what I consume is fresh and free from contaminants.
The next thing I do is to take the cleaned sugar cane, bite down gently, and allow my teeth to squeeze out the natural juice. This is the “battle” part I was referring to earlier. You chew slowly, so that the juice can come out and fill your mouth. Do not swallow the fibrous remains only the juice.
Once there is no more juice, discard the fibrous remains. Spit them out and dispose of them properly. Sometimes you may get some of the fiber stuck in your teeth. You can use dental floss, chewing stick or toothpick to remove them.
Nutritional Benefits
Sugarcane is mainly used for its natural sweetness; however it does have a number of nutrients. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It is naturally hydrating and provides a quick source of energy due to its high natural sugar content.
Cultural and Medicinal Significance
Sugarcane has cultural and medicinal importance in many areas. It is used as a cooling drink in ayurvedic medicine to balance the body heat and support liver. Some regions recommend it for use in jaundice and urinary tract infections. It is also used in festivals and traditional rituals in several cultures.
Does Sugarcane Expire?
Yes, it does expire. Raw sugarcane is best when used or prepared not long after it has been picked. At room temperature, it is safe to consume for 2 to 3 days.
To store the stalks, you should refrigerate them, which makes them good for about a week. Nevertheless, the juice should be taken or kept in the refrigerator for not more than 24 hours to avoid fermentation.
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