BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
For many who grew up in the ‘90s, chewing on sugarcane for its sweet juice was a childhood favorite.
But did you know that sugarcane is more than just a source of sugar?
Sugarcane has played a significant role in various industries, from biofuel production to rum-making.
It is one of the oldest cultivated plants, believed to have originated around 8000 BCE in New Guinea before spreading across Asia, where sugar extraction was first discovered.
By the 16th century, sugarcane was introduced to the Americas and the Caribbean, leading to a boom in production.
Over time, researchers explored new ways to maximize its use, leading to the discovery of sugarcane-based biofuel.
One of the most well-known biofuels from sugarcane is ethanol, a cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel.
Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugarcane juice, where yeast converts the sugar into alcohol.
The process undergoes several stages before it becomes a fuel source.
Even the leftover fiber from sugarcane is useful—it is repurposed to produce paper and packaging materials, reducing deforestation.
Additionally, it serves as livestock feed, particularly for cattle and goats.
With these sustainable applications, sugarcane continues to be a valuable resource beyond its sweet taste.
