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Sugar
History and Facts:
Florida is the nation's largest producer of raw sugar from sugarcane. The sugar industry provides economic stability to the communities on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee by employing 18,000 agricultural and mill workers and generating over 1.5 billion dollars of economic activity.
The sugar industry conducts environmental research and monitoring in order to ensure the continued good quality of both air and water in South Florida. A Florida Division of Forestry permit program regulates the controlled pre-harvest burning of sugarcane fields. Burning reduces trash and leaves, facilitating harvest, transportation and increased mill efficiency as well as reduced pesticide use.
Nutritional Value:
Sugar has only 16 calories per teaspoon, and is an efficient source of energy, as well as being an important part of the diet.
Storage:
Keep in a closed container at room temperature.
Availability:
Sugarcane planting begins in August and the crop grows for 12 to 18 months before harvest. Sugarcane is harvested and processed from October until March. Each planting will produce three or more annual crops.
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