Sugar Cane

SUGAR CANE PRODUCTION

Sugar is used around the world and comes from two main sources: sugar beets and sugar cane. Sugar cane is grow in tropical/ sub-tropical climates. Although produced in many locations, Central / South America and Asia grow a good portion of the world's sugar cane. Take a look at how we get sugar from the stalk of a sugar cane.

Growing Sugar Cane

Sugar cane is grown from cuttings that are planted in the ground. Cuttings are part of the sugar cane stalk that include growth nodes. The cutting develops roots and begins a new plant which grows to be thick stalks over 10 ft tall!

Harvesting

When the sugar cane is ready for harvest, a specialized harvester will pick the entire stalk for the extraction of the juices that contain the sugar.

Processing

After the sugar cane is harvested, it is transported to a processing facility. The process to turn sugar cane into sugar is an intensive one and the pictures / video allows you to get a glimpse of this process. Not only is sugar cane used to make sugar, it also is used to make ethanol in countries such as Brazil.

PANAMA

Panama is a bridge between the oceans. The Panama Canal attracts commerce from all over the world. Even with the mix of people from different cultures and backgrounds, Panama still has a unique identity. Sugar cane is grown in Panama both naturally and for profit. Although the process we looked at above is highly mechanized, it has humble roots. Panamanians are known for putting their families first and working together to acheive their goals.

Producing for Centuries

The traditional method of harvesting and processing sugar cane has been handed down through families for generations. Although it is no longer the primary way of extracting sugar, take a look at how sugar is traditionally extracted.

DSCN1730.MOV

Family is a backbone in many latino cultures and is very important. Not only do families work together, they also celebrate together! There are many different celebrations throughout the world, but in Las Tablas, Panama, New Year's Eve is an important celebration. Two of the leading families in the community face off in a parade and attempt to have the best float, dancers, and band. How do they know who wins? Whichever float has the most people following it at 3 AM is the winner!

DSCN1714.MOV

Generations of Celebration

Panama has a deep tradition in family celebrations as the Indigenous Panamanians live in tight knit family groups and depend on each other and nature for survival.

Separate from the World

Most of the indigenous villages are accessible only by boat and their diets contain more fish. They are committed to their families and neighbors and live together in thatch roof huts.

HENNA ACTIVITY

The Indigenous Panamanians use plants to dye their fabrics and a plant based cream to draw on cultural tattoos. The plant based tattoo fades after about a week and they are able to change the style based on the event. Try your hand at plant based tattoos using the instructions below!

Materials

Tube of henna (can be found at most crafting stores or Walmart) or another plant based skin dye
Design ideas
Scissors

Procedure

Obtain parental/ guardian permission as this stains the skin for up to two weeks
Caution: Henna will stain your clothes
Clip the tip off the henna tube
Free-hand or use design to draw a tattoo on your arm that would describe your culture. For example, if fishing is important to your family, you may want to draw a fish
After you pipe the henna on to the skin, be careful not to smudge
Allow henna to dry completely
Gently scrape off excess dried henna off the skin
Image will last up to two weeks

Discussion Questions

1. What symbols represent you and your family?

2. Why is it important to be aware of diverse customs and traditions?

Return to...

Food Spotlights

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse