Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

A grass species originated in Southeast Asia, Saccharum officinarum or Sugarcane is a perennial clump-forming plant reaching a height of up to 5m. The leaves are green, alternate, linear, and elongated with internodes, thick midribs, and saw-toothed edges. The leaf ash is used against sore eyes while stem juice is against sore throats, snake bites, and wounds from poison arrows.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet sap. — The stems contain a very sweet sap.; They are crushed to extract this sap, which is then used in a variety of ways.; It can be used as a sweet, refreshing drink, though it is more commonly concentrated to make syrups or dried to make sugar, molasses etc.; The core of fresh stems is chewed as a sweet refreshment.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known as a wild plant. (Zone 8)