Mintz

The article “Time, Sugar and Sweetness,” written by Sidney W. Mintz was developed around the idea about the evolution of “sugar” (where it originated, and all the processed that rook place that led to its growth.) Throughout the course of summing up this article, I will discuss some of the key aspects of sugar which include its origin, some uses, substitutes, its flavor and views about sugar.

If you were to ask the question, “Where does sugar come from?” many people would answer the obvious by saying “sugar cane,” or “sugar beets.” However, this is not what the question is clearly stating. It is relying on its actual origin, as in where sugar was first developed. Evidence shows that sugar cane had been developed almost a millennium after the forth century B.C in South Asia. During the fourth century was believed to be the original development.

In the Old World sugar cane was familiar to Europeans. After the New World had developed sugar cane became known to many. In the thirteenth century, the use of sugar was considered a “luxury.” It was expensive and anyone who possessed this sweet prize had to come from wealth. Sugar was also used to strengthen tastes of many meals. It was also used in beverages such as tea and coffee. It was considered a desert, used with such things as tea, coffee and cocoa. By 1800, sugar became a daily ingestion for privileged people.

Honey was used as a main substitute before sugar came known in the world wide economy (especially Britain.) Not only was honey used to food/beverages, but also for medical reasons. Once sugar spread to areas such as Britain, it seemed to do a better job than honey and also cost less.

When you think of sugar out of many different tastes (sour, bitter, tart etc,) it will always remain the same which is sweet. Most people will say that sugar is very enjoyable. Almost no person will tell you they dislike the taste.