Moenda

Moenda refers to a type of traditional sugar cane mill, particularly prevalent in Brazil and other parts of Latin America. Historically, moendas were used for extracting juice from sugar cane stalks, a crucial step in sugar production. These mills typically consisted of heavy rollers, often made of wood or stone, powered by animals like oxen, or later by water or steam. The cane would be fed between the rollers, crushing it and squeezing out the sweet juice.

The design of a moenda varied regionally and over time, but the fundamental principle of crushing cane for juice remained constant. While modern, industrial sugar mills have largely replaced traditional moendas, they remain a significant symbol of Brazil's agricultural heritage and the history of sugar production. In some rural communities, small-scale moendas may still be in operation for artisanal sugar production or for demonstration purposes, allowing people to connect with historical methods. The term itself is derived from the Portuguese word "moer," meaning to grind.