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How did sugar get its name?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

November 9, 2001

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Sugar has been with us for thousands of years, but it has only been known to "westerners" for the last eight hundred or so. The cultivation of sugar cane and the refinement of sugar began in India. Sugar was known in Sanskrit as sarkara and in the ancient Pali texts of the Buddhists as sakkhara. The Greeks called the product sakcharon and the Romans saccharum. Sugar was lost to most of Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. (See Plants that Changed History, November 6, 2001)

Sugar
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When Linnaeus gave sugarcane its botanical name, he kept the Saccharum after the Romans and gave it the species epithet officinarum in reference to a laboratory for medicines. Sugar was used to dress wounds and bedsores, and as a poultice for boils, arthritis, and muscle sprains. Split sugarcane was supposed to be good for binding broken bones. It was dispensed for colds and whooping cough. In India, the juice of sugarcane was said to make elephants wise.

Gerard (The Herbal, 1633) said of sugar, "...juice of this reed is of a temperate quality; it drieth and cleaneth the stomach, maketh smooth the roughness of the breast and lungs, cleareth the voice, and putteth away hoarseness, the cough, and all sourness and bitterness". Sugar became of importance to pharmacists to hide (sugar-coat) the taste of medicines.

Even now, the Sanskrit roots of sarkara linger in our languages for in English we call it sugar, in German, zucker, in French, sucre, in Russian, caxap (sachar), and in Spanish, azucar to name but a few.

The Florida Division of Recreation and Parks has 158 state parks preserving "the real Florida" including the historic ruins of the Bulow Plantation. To view a photograph of the remaining walls of the sugar mill and to learn more about the park's history, click on the link:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/bulowplantation/default.cfm

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Carnelian necklace, 'Sugar Candy'

NOVICA®

Three bright carnelians emulate the caramel texture of gulali, a Balinese brown sugar candy. Agung Pribadi selects bold shapes for the glowing trio, and sets them in lustrous sterling silver. Presented on a sterling chain, this necklace showcases the artists very personal style. Carnelian fosters feelings of well-being; it is believed to inspire action, movement, eloquence and courage. You save 43% Click here for sale price and more info...

Customer Reviews of this Artist
I just received my Carnelian necklace, called "Sugar Candy" it is absolutely gorgeous. I am sure I will receive many compliments when I wear it. The artist workmanship is beautiful. I will certainly be ordering more from Agung Pribadi, he is a very gifted artist of jewelry.
- Kathryn DiSimone, Harsens Island, Michigan USA Click here for more reviews and info...

Alpaca wool shawl, 'Cinnamon Dream'

NOVICA®

Warm cinnamon sugar hues color this exquisite shawl. Alfredo Falcon deftly combines alpaca wool and acrylic, finishing the woven textile with delicate floral crochet. The alpaca thrives at the extraordinarily high altitudes of the Andes, resulting in a fiber of unparalleled softness and warmth. This garment offers a beautiful accent to the winter wardrobe. You save 46% Click here for sale price and more info...

Palm leaf handbag, 'Ochre Stars'

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Woven into a pattern of ochre stars, sugar palm leaves are transformed into a stylish handbag. Thanradee presents an original Thai design, lacquered for shine. Topped with hemp and lined in a silk-cotton blend, the purse features an inner pocket, rattan handles, and a rain tree wood bead on the drawstring closure. You save 56% Click here for sale price and more info...

Celadon ceramic sugar bowl and creamer,
'Botanical Heaven,'

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Steeped in floral magic, this serving set by Ramphan Khumsingkeaw will breathe Thai delicacy into any décor. Soft petals blow across perfected surfaces enveloped by the faint charm of subtle blue tones. Comprising a creamer, sugar bowl, and serving plate, the set makes a great gift for tea lovers.

Gae sa lak is a traditional Thai sculptural process used for carving decorative items.

Khumsingkeaw applies it to a series of ceramic products, each example resplendent with floral and organic shapes hand-carved into the clay before the piece is fired. The surface is then glazed in the traditional celadon method, resulting in rich pockets of blue and green color and a lightly-crackled antique appearance. You save 49% Click here for sale price and more info...

Onyx necklace, 'Yellow Sugar Candy'

NOVICA®

Icy beads of yellow onyx evoke sweet sugar candy. Sandra and Lily showcase the luminous stones in an original design featuring shiny alpaca beads – an alloy comprised primarily of copper and zinc. The ornate spacers bring visual texture and accentuate the gemstone's natural mystique. You save 53% Click here for sale price and more info...

Customer Reviews of this Artist
I am thrilled with my opal bracelet. I have never seen opals of this color before. It is beautiful, and Sandra and Lily are true artists.
- E.A. S., LaFollette, TN, USA