Quelle est l'histoire de la culture de la canne à sucre à La Réunion ?

La canne à sucre a été introduite à La Réunion par les colons français au XVIIIe siècle. Elle a rapidement remplacé les cultures de coton et de café qui étaient cultivées sur l'île et est devenue l'un des principaux produits d'exportation de l'île. Aujourd'hui, la canne à sucre reste l'une des cultures les plus importantes de La Réunion, bien que son importance ait diminué ces dernières années.

Où est cultivée la canne à sucre à La Réunion ?

La canne à sucre est cultivée principalement dans les régions du littoral de l'île, où les conditions climatiques sont favorables à sa croissance. Elle est également cultivée dans les plaines intérieures de l'île.

Comment est produit le sucre de canne à La Réunion ?

Le sucre de canne est produit à partir de la canne à sucre par un processus de réduction de la teneur en eau et de cristallisation. La canne à sucre est d'abord coupée et broyée pour en extraire le jus. Ce jus est ensuite chauffé et filtré pour éliminer les impuretés, puis il est cristallisé pour obtenir du sucre en poudre.

Sugar Cane in Reunion: History & Culture

The history of Reunionese sugarcane

In Reunion Island, sugarcane first appeared in 1663. At that time, settlers used it to make a homemade alcohol called "traque" or "flagourin." Additionally, sugarcane was used as fodder for livestock.

From 1810 to 1815, the British occupation of Réunion greatly benefited the sugar industry. Indeed, British troops significantly expanded sugarcane cultivation. However, until 1848, Réunion's primary export crop was still coffee. The rise of sugarcane began in the 1850s, notably due to the arrival of many immigrant workers.

The 19th century marked the peak of sugarcane cultivation in Réunion. However, the abolition of slavery and the development of the sugar beet industry in France marked a real turning point in its history, transitioning Réunion from prosperity to financial crisis.

Today, Reunion's sugar production is supported by Europeans and tends to stabilize.

The sugar cane yields in Réunion

In the middle of the 20th century, in Reunion Island, agricultural production averaged 2 tons of sugar per hectare. Indeed, during the first half of the 20th century, Reunionese primarily cultivated "noble" sugarcane, known for its thick stalks and very sweet juice. However, they quickly noticed that this sugarcane was also more susceptible to diseases and pests.

By 1950, new hybrid sugarcane varieties appeared on the island, allowing yields to increase to 4 to 5 tons of sugar per hectare.

Today, technical advancements and research efforts aimed at deploying new forms of sugarcane continue to increase this yield. Currently, it reaches 7.5 tons of sugar per hectare.

Rendements de la canne à sucre à La Réunion

Must-see Sugar Cane Tours in Reunion Island

If you're visiting Reunion Island, you can't miss the opportunity to tour the island's main sugar refineries. In this regard, Bois Rouge Sugar Mill and Gol Sugar Mill open their doors from July to December. Here, you'll witness all the magic of Réunionese sugar production. From January to June, it's Savanna Distillery's turn to welcome the public. Here, you'll uncover all the mysteries of rum-making. From agricultural history to exploring the distillery, including the art of tasting and fermentation processes, you'll have plenty of opportunities to engage all your senses!

For a complete immersion into the world of sugarcane, don't hesitate to visit one of the following places as well:

La Saga du Rhum: located near Saint-Pierre, this museum traces the history of rum in Réunion and concludes with a tasting.
Stella Matutina Museum: it's an old sugar factory, next to Saint-Leu, in the south of the island. The tour traces the intertwined history of sugar and Reunion.
Chez Payet & Rivière: this family estate located in the northeast of Réunion is one of the island's oldest sugarcane cultivating properties. It has existed since the 19th century. Here, you'll also find many food products for sale as well as premium spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of sugarcane cultivation in Reunion Island?

Sugarcane was introduced to La Réunion by French settlers in the 18th century. It quickly replaced cotton and coffee cultivation on the island and became one of the main export products. Today, sugarcane remains one of La Réunion's most important crops, although its significance has decreased in recent years.

Where is sugarcane cultivated in Reunion Island?

Sugarcane is mainly cultivated in the coastal regions of the island, where the climate conditions are favorable for its growth. It is also grown in the inland plains of the island.

How is sugarcane sugar produced in Reunion Island?

Sugarcane sugar is produced from sugarcane through a process of reducing water content and crystallization. Sugarcane is first cut and crushed to extract the juice. This juice is then heated and filtered to remove impurities, then crystallized to obtain powdered sugar.