Sugar Processing

Sugar is primarily harvested from sugar cane and sugar beets. Sugar beets are a root vegetable that grow in cooler climates, while sugar cane plants are grasses that can grow up to 20 feet tall and are often found in tropical climates. Sugar beet and sugar cane are go-to sources for sugar because they have high sucrose content and sweetness purity. For both, the refining process removes all impurities and the surrounding plant matter, leaving only pure sucrose for consumption or further processing.

How are sugar beets processed?

1. Sugar beets are grown in many different regions, such as Minnesota, Michigan, Wyoming, Idaho, and California and then transported to nearby processing plants.
2. At the processing plants, the beets are cleaned and cut into thin strips, known as cossettes. These cossettes are then placed in a large tank called a diffuser, where raw juice is extracted.
3. The raw juice is filtered to remove any impurities, resulting in a syrup.
4. Sugar crystals begin to form from the syrup as water is evaporated from the juice and boiled in a vacuum.
5. In a centrifuge, the sugar crystals are separated from the remaining syrup.
6. The crystals are then dried.
7. Finally, the sugar is packaged and distributed.

Uses of Sugar Beets

Ice Melt

Sugar beet juice and salt melts ice more effectively.

Table Sugar

Table sugar is often used to sweeten beverages, enhance the flavor of baked goods, and preserve fruits in jams and jellies.

Animal Feed

Sugar can be added to animal feed to provide a source of energy, improve palatability, and stimulate feed intake in livestock and poultry.

Biofuels

Sugar is used in the production of biofuels where it is fermented by microorganisms to produce alcohol that can be used as a renewable energy source.

Sugar Processing Solutions

PAA Application Guide