Cane sugar is commonly called sucrose.
Sucrose is a disaccharide, meaning it's a sugar made of two simpler sugar units: glucose and fructose. It is widely known as table sugar and is primarily obtained from sugarcane, hence its common name "cane sugar."
Understanding Common Sugars
Different types of sugars have distinct common names based on their origin or primary source. Here's a brief overview of some common sugars:
| Chemical Name | Common Name | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose | Grape sugar | Ripe grapes |
| Sucrose | Cane sugar | Sugarcane |
| Fructose | Fruit sugar | Fruits like berries |
Sucrose is the most widely consumed type of sugar globally. Its primary commercial sources are sugarcane, which accounts for about 70% of world production, and sugar beets, making up the remaining 30%. The process involves extracting the juice from these plants, purifying it, and then crystallizing the sucrose.
Why is it Called Cane Sugar?
The term "cane sugar" directly refers to its origin from sugarcane. Sugarcane is a tall, perennial grass cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its high sucrose content. Historically, it was one of the earliest and most efficient sources of sugar, leading to sucrose becoming synonymous with cane sugar.
