Beet sugar (or sugar beet sugar) derives from sugar beets and, while chemically identical to cane sugar, comes from a different plant source.
Description of raw materials used in production.
Sugar beets, which are a root vegetable high in sucrose, are the primary raw material.
Step-by-step summary of industrial production process.
- Cultivation and Harvesting. Sugar beets are grown and, once mature, are harvested.
- Extraction. Beets are sliced and juice is extracted through pressing or diffusion processes.
- Purification. The extracted juice is purified to remove impurities and other materials.
- Crystallization. The purified juice is evaporated to facilitate sugar crystallization.
- Centrifugation. Sugar crystals are separated from remaining liquids via centrifugation.
- Drying. Sugar crystals are then dried to remove residual moisture.
Form and color. Beet sugar is typically available as solid white crystals.
Commercial applications.
Used in a myriad of food products and beverages as a sweetener, and also in the production of ethanol and other fermented products.
Food Industry. Beet sugar is widely used as a sweetener in a variety of food products, including sweets, beverages, and also as a condiment.
Alcoholic Production. Used in the production of some alcoholic beverages, such as rum and certain kinds of vodka, as it provides a medium for fermentation.
Household Use. Commonly used in homes for preparing desserts, drinks, and other food items.
Pharmaceutical Industry. May be used in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient or sweetening agent in syrups and other preparations.