bietsuiker
Bietsuiker is a type of sugar derived from sugar beet plants. The sugar beet is a root vegetable that, like sugarcane, is a primary source of sucrose. The process of extracting sugar from beets involves washing, slicing, and then diffusing the sugar into hot water. The resulting sugar beet juice is then purified, evaporated to concentrate the sugar, and crystallized. This crystallized sugar is then separated from the molasses. Bietsuiker is chemically identical to cane sugar, meaning it is pure sucrose. It is widely used in food production, baking, and as a general sweetener in beverages and other products. The cultivation of sugar beets is concentrated in temperate regions of the world, with major producers including Europe, Russia, and parts of North America. Bietsuiker is a significant component of the global sugar market, offering an alternative to sugarcane-derived sugar.