Sugarcane Syrup

We all know about sugarcane, that is a type of tall grass, from which sugar is extracted. Apart from sugar, various food products are made of sugarcane. Sugarcane syrup is a traditional sweetener, used in cooking and also to make flavored syrups, that can be used as topping. It is one of the basic ingredients in some flavored syrups, that are used with pancakes and desserts.

How is Sugarcane Syrup Made

It is made by evaporating sugarcane juice. Usually, this is done by boiling sugarcane juice for several hours, so as to yield a thick syrup, that is highly sweet, as compared to sugar. As the sugar boils, the surface of the juice is skimmed a number of times, so that the bits of cane and other impurities that float on the surface are removed. During the boiling process, baking soda and lemon juice are also added. While baking soda aids in bringing the impurities to the top, lemon juice alleviates the salty taste in some sugarcane juice, especially, those varieties, that are grown with ammonium nitrate as fertilizer.

Sugarcane syrups of different consistencies are made with the process of boiling. Each type differs from another in the duration of boiling and the degree of skimming. As the duration of boiling increases, the syrup will get concentrated and get darker in color. If the skimming is done properly, the syrup will be clearer too. Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, it is allowed to cool, before packaging. In case of commercial products, preservatives are added before packaging. Even though, you can purchase sugarcane syrup from the market, it can be prepared at home too.

Making Sugarcane Syrup at Home

In order to prepare sugarcane syrup, you will need fresh sugarcane juice, a large pot with outer lip, large slotted spoon, cooking thermometer, etc. Take the pot and pour a few gallons of fresh sugarcane juice. The juice has to be boiled to a temperature of around 210° F. A foam will appear on the surface of the juice and once it starts bubbling through the foam, you have to reduce the heat and the scum has to be removed with spoon. After that, the heat has to be increased, so that the juice boils evenly over the inner ring. A teaspoon of baking soda can be added to the boiling juice, so as to bring the impurities to the surface. You may also add a small amount of lemon juice to alleviate the salty taste of the juice. The boiling temperature has to be maintained at 210° F, throughout the process, except at times, when you reduce the heat for skimming the impurities (should be done at least every half an hour). It may take several hours for the sugarcane juice to get concentrated and form syrup. Once the juice gets thickened and attains the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool, before storing.

Now, you know more about sugarcane syrup and how to make it from sugarcane juice. However, make sure that the juice is fresh, before starting with the process. If you want a substitute for this syrup, then, use corn syrup or make a sugar syrup by boiling one cup of sugar with 1/3 cup of water, till the liquid becomes syrupy.