Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass that is used for sugar production. Sugarcane juice, on the other hand, is the syrup that is extracted from pressed sugarcane. It is obtained when peeled sugarcanes are crushed in a mill, creating a tasty drink that is consumed globally in many places.

Sugarcane is grown commercially in places in Southeast Asia like Indonesia and Vietnam, Egypt, parts of Latin America and the Indian Subcontinent. Sugarcane can only be cultivated in a tropical or subtropical climate and is primarily found in areas like Mauritius, Dominican Republic, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Cuba, Jamaica, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Australia and Hawaii, among others. Although it was once a major crop in the United States, cultivation is now limited to Florida, Louisiana and Texas.

Originating in tropical South and Southeast Asia, sugar production from sugarcanes is said to have begun in North India. Several Sanskrit and Pali texts mention sugar production. The Sanskrit word Sarkara, from where the scientific name for sugarcane, Saccharum seems to have been derived, also acts as evidence for the knowledge that was imbibed from ancient India.

Traders from the Middle East introduced sugar to the Mediterranean, from where it entered the Americas through the Spanish and the Portuguese farmers. Columbus brought sugarcane to the Caribbean Islands on his second voyage to America, from where it was shipped to Europe. Sugarcane cultivation was an important part of the slave trade during this time as well.

Sugarcane juice works wonders on the body because of the antioxidants that are present in it. These antioxidants help to fight infections and also boost immunity. Sugarcane is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and other electrolytes, making it a great cure for dehydration. Additionally, it is said to help in boosting protein levels in the body, which is very beneficial for the body.

Sugarcane has some environmental benefits as well. In several places around the world, the sugarcane bagasse that remains after the canes is crushed to extract juice is converted into paper materials. Unlike paper made out of trees, this sugarcane paper is environment-friendly and recyclable. In certain cases, sugarcane is also used as a biofuel and is used in ethanol production as well.

Some basic facts about sugarcane:

• Botanical Name: Saccharum officinarum
• Family Name: Poaceae
• Common Name: Sugarcane, eekh, karimbu, ganna
• Parts Used: The stem of the sugarcane plant is used to extract sugar.
• Native Region and Geographical Distribution:  Sugarcane is cultivated in Brazil, India, China, Thailand, and parts of the United States like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Hawaii. Peru leads the worldwide production of sugarcane, followed by Zambia.
• Interesting Fact: When Greek and Persian merchants first encountered sugarcane on their travels to India, it was considered a luxurious and expensive spice.

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