Where did sugar come from originally?

As a subject matter expert in the history of agriculture and food, I can tell you that sugar has a rich and complex history. The origins of sugar can be traced back to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically in what is now New Guinea. Sugarcane, the primary source of sugar, was first domesticated in this area around 8000 BC.

Over time, the cultivation and production of sugar spread to India, where sugarcane was used not only for its sweetness but also for its potential medicinal properties. The Indian subcontinent became a significant center for sugar production and is credited with developing the process of crystallizing sugar from sugarcane juice, which was a significant advancement in sugar production technology.

With the expansion of trade and cultural exchanges, the knowledge and production of sugar traveled to China, the Middle East, and eventually to Europe. The Arab expansion played a crucial role in spreading sugar beyond Asia, as they introduced sugar to the Mediterranean region.

In the 16th century, European explorers and colonizers began establishing sugar plantations in the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean. This period marked a significant shift in the global sugar industry, as it became a major commodity in the Atlantic trade, with a profound impact on the economy and the development of the slave trade.

Sugar's journey from a luxury item to a staple in many diets is a story of agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange, with a dark side that includes the exploitation of labor and the colonization of lands.

Different species likely originated in different locations with S. barberi originating in India and S. edule and S. officinarum coming from New Guinea. Originally, people chewed sugarcane raw to extract its sweetness. Indians discovered how to crystallize sugar during the Gupta dynasty, around 350 AD.