The setts of new varieties are then distributed to the cane growers. The highest yields of 22 tons of sucrose per hectare occur in Hawaii, but the crops take two or more years to mature there. In 1980 the world production of sugar from cane and beets was about 86 million tons. Substantial increases in yields have occurred over the past 100 years due to improved cultural practices, particularly fertilizer use, disease and pest control, field and factory. The rind was removed and the internal tissues sucked or chewed.
Noble canes are the best for chewing due to high sugar and juice contents.
The pH is raised with lime and the mixture is heated to around 100 degrees C for several hours. The lime causes suspended materials, proteins, waxes, and fats to precipitate. Further impurities are allowed to settle in large containers and are removed from the bottom. This residue is known as filter cake or filter mud. The clear juice is again heated in a series of evaporators to form crystals and separated from the molasses in centrifuges.