Sugar cane: uses

Sugar cane is much more than just a candy. Did you know that the processing of this raw material for the production of sugar allows the manufacture of biodegradable items?

At the end of the day, the idea is to make the most of all the products in our environment in order to reduce the use of raw materials in the manufacture of other items. This way we improve the balance with the environment.

Let’s see the benefits and the different products that can be obtained with the correct treatment of sugarcane and its by-products.

Uses of sugar cane

Food, recycling, alcohol production? The uses of sugarcane are multiple, as are its benefits. If you have ever wondered what sugarcane is used for, pay attention:

• It is an alternative to products with great ecological impact: for example, cement or paper.
• Fertilizer or animal feed: it can be useful for this purpose.
• Production of alcohol and other liquors: rum, vodka, sherry, brandy…
• Liquidfuel.

Benefits of sugar cane

Known scientifically as Saccharum officinarum, sugarcane is part of the Poaceae group of plants. It is composed of stalks that can reach a height of 6 meters. The maximum diameter of each stalk is 5 cm.

Inside each stalk is a sweet liquid, which is processed for the manufacture of sugar and other products that are more or less known throughout the world.

Among the benefits that we can find in the consumption of sugar cane, we have:

• Cane juice helps keep bacteria in your mouth at bay and helps your gums stay healthy.
• It helps in the digestive process.
• Promotes wound healing and reduces the stinging of rashes.
• A natural remedy against constipation and aids digestion.
• Excellent source of natural energy.
• By simply burning a cane stalk, you will eliminate any bad odor.
• It is an ally of the cardiovascular system and prevents heart disease.
• It is an excellent antioxidant.
• Rapidly improves the health of your skin.

Products made with sugar cane

Although this plant tends to be related only to the manufacture of sugar, many products can be obtained from the direct processing of sugarcane or its by-products.

• Cachaza: Used in agriculture as a natural fertilizer. It can be used alone or with the ashes resulting from the burning of sugarcane.
• Yeast torula: Unbeatable natural feed that is frequently used in the pig, cattle and poultry breeding industry.
• Dextran: Dextran can be used in the manufacture of adhesives, the printing of 100% cotton fabrics and the preparation of beers.
• Guarapo: Also known as sugarcane juice, it is a high-calorie juice consumed in several countries around the world, both by humans and in animal feed.
• Biodiesel: Biodiesel, a fuel that seeks to gain ground in fuels that replace the use of petroleum derivatives, is manufactured from the final honeys of sugarcane.
• Alcohols: In addition to being used in the manufacture of solvents, fuels, perfumes, cleaners, paints and varnishes, the ethyl alcohol produced from sugarcane is essential for the manufacture of rum, among other beverages.
• Paper: For the last few years, the residual fiber from sugarcane has also been used for the manufacture of this material.
• Sugarcane dishes: Dishes that are trending in the hospitality industry due to their many advantages.