SC - Sugar availability

[LYN M PARKINSON]

In our area, PBS has been having a series of programs called "Into the
Rising Sun", concerning the late 15th Portugese explorations of the
African coast in their efforts to reach India and the spice trade.  A
section tonight, which I wasn't able to take notes on but just note, was
the colonization of a number of volcanic soiled islands, off Ghana, I
think.  The sugar cane flourished, the slave trade made sugar much more
widely available.  In 1517, revolts by the slaves made some of the
plantation owners or managers move to Brazil, to set up the same process
there.  


I found this interesting because of the number of recipes we find in
period that call for increased use of sugar.  It's so easy to say, "It
got more popular"  without really thinking of what it took to make an
item available.  Apparently, sugar cane doesn't flourish just anywhere. 
[Those of you with farm backgrounds are undoubtedly snickering at this
'city slicker'.]  Attempts had been made in a lot of places to increase
sugar production for the demand at home.  So, tastes didn't really
change--it was now possible to indulge those tastes.  And, they did.



It is so easy to cook with blinders on, we who are so spoiled with our
stores and markets carrying all the world's treasures.  Makes you think,
doesn't it?



Regards,

Allison

allilyn at juno.com

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