So you've had your veggies-in-a-glass. How about putting a sugar cane juicer to work for dessert?
The modern sugar cane juicer has come a long way from the trapiche, the old traditional wooden roller press used by the indigenous people of countries such as Panama and Columbia. However, it still produces the same sweet, delightful juice.
A traditional Cuban drink, called guarapo, is freely available in Miami, Florida. Many visitors are not aware that this is in fact sugar cane juice. To produce this treat, a guarapo press is used.
Sugar cane juice is an unrefined source of carbohydrates, which is actually good for you! The juice of sugar cane grown for this purpose, has an appealing color, is soft on the palate, is more stable than vegetable juice and is filled with nutrients. While growing, it is watered constantly to keep the sugar percentage as low as possible.
A sugar cane juicer produces juice that is just a bit sweeter than orange juice. It contains much less sugar than a can of soda! It is believed this juice has properties that help to prevent tooth decay.
There is also evidence that this juice may contain some wound healing and immune strengthening properties. In addition, the juice has a soothing effect on the digestive system, especially when combined with fresh ginger.
Commercial juicers are prohibitively expensive, and a household juicer isn't a common sight. Pressers are available in table top models in countries like Malaysia, India and Singapore, where this juice is seen as a delicacy.
Entrepreneurs elsewhere have taken up the challenge and now sell organic juice, flavored with lime, ginger or rasberry. These extras compliment the juice perfectly.
A vegetable juicer that has occasionally been used for this juice is the dependable Omega 8005. If you decide to try this, you must remove the outer rind or husk - quite a time-consuming job! The outer husk is also the main source of impurities. Removing the juicing nozzle first is also recommended.
The VISOR Juicer by L'Equip, may also be able to handle it. Although juicing sugar cane sporadically should be fine, you have to decide for yourself if you want to risk possible damage to your juicer.
One of the other options currently on the market, is a sugar cane juicer called the MCI-170 that comes with the usual commercial-juicer price-tag. This is an extractor with a stainless steel cabinet, body and juice drum. The unit also has a drink tap. The juicer can go through around 170 canes per hour. The motor of the electric model is 1.5 HP. A gas version is also available.
The dimensions of the MCI-170 are 16" x 18" x 22". This is quite a hefty machine by juicing standards, as it weighs in at around 190 pounds.
A slightly more manageable version is the MCI-60, which dispatches with 60 canes per hour. It comes with the same stainless steel construction, standard drive container and filter with drink tap. The motor is less powerful at 3/4 HP.
This one is a slightly more svelte model with dimensions of 16" x 15" x 22". Unfortunately it is still a heavy contraption with a weight of 100 pounds.
The Abamaster Sugar Cane Juicer SCJE, actually more of a sugar cane crusher, has a powerful 1/2 HP motor. This durable machine is easy to use, has a stainless steel body and drums, and a reduced gear design for maximum torque.
The Sugar Cane Juice Extractor 2000 distributed by Zama Enterprises, is a countertop model with a stainless steel body and drums. It is easy to operate and has a removable front cover for quick cleaning. Weighing in at 100 pounds, you probably won't choose this one for your kitchen!
Until a more practical household juicer becomes available, it is perhaps wiser to stick to juicing ordinary fruit and vegetables.
