Linda Kozar | The Perfect Fall Beverage... Pineapple and Sugar Cane

I love the taste combination of pineapple and sugar cane.

I grew up in Louisiana, where every year I'd notice fields of what appeared to be tall, stout grasses billowing in the wind. Over time, they widened into bamboo-like rods. Once the rods are cut down, they are processed into the sweet sugar crystals we both love and hate. My hips hate them, anyway. But holding a stalk of freshly-cut sugarcane in your hands is like holding a sugary piece of heaven.

So, the first order of business is to bring home a stalk of sugar cane and a fresh pineapple. Or, take the easy way out, and buy chunks of fresh pineapple, already cut. Stay away from canned pineapple, please!

Assuming you know how to cut a pineapple (or buy precut, fresh chunks), I'm going straight to the sugarcane prep. Remove the outer shield by cutting down into it and peeling away. Believe me, this is not easy. Sugar Cane ain't called "cane" for nothing. BE CAREFUL. I very nearly cut myself every time I do this. If you value your fingers, take your time.

Once you reach the inner fibrous core, slice or cut into 2-inch sticks. Add the sticks to the water.

Now taste one of the sticks, for giggles and grins. Chew to extract the good, clean taste. The stick of cane should be reduced to a pulp when you're done. DO NOT swallow the pulp. Discard it. Surprised, right? Sugar Cane does not taste super sugary. Not like you'd expect, anyway.

Next, add the chunks of fresh pineapple to the water. Ironically, pineapple is the sweetener in this beverage!

Processing sugar cane is complex business, but can be done by hand cranking with the proper equipment or by mechanized process. We're not attempting that today. Sigh of relief. I've posted a simple recipe I think you'll enjoy.

Seven Reasons You Might Want to Try Sugarcane Water:

1. Quenches the thirst and gives you energy.
2. Though sweet, it contains natural sugar which has a low glycemic index.
3. Has high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese.
4. Boosts protein levels in the body. A a squeeze of lime juice, and coconut water for added benefits for the urinary tract.
5. Antioxidants in the juice help prevent infections
6. Helps prevent tooth decay! (Due to the high mineral content).
7. Promotes beautiful skin (drink and apply topically) and strong, shiny nails.
Warning: The juice must be extracted in a hygienic manner. And because of its sugar content (which promotes the growth of microorganisms), should be consumed right away. Sugarcane juice, sans pineapple, is regularly consumed in many countries, and most often, sold by street vendors. However, if the juice is extracted and prepared in unsanitary conditions, it could be a health hazard.

So, take that precaution in mind when preparing your pineapple/sugarcane water as well. No saving this concoction for the next day. But pineapple/sugarcane water is so good, you won't want to save it.

Instead, we're making pineapple/sugarcane water. Recently, I made some for a gathering at my house and it was delicious.

Pineapple/Sugarcane Water

Ingredients:

2 liters purified water
2 sticks sugarcane
4-5 large chunks fresh pineapple
ice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir.
The longer the water sits, the more the pineapple and sugarcane flavors will infused into it.

GIVEAWAY

Pineapple/sugarcane water is the perfect beverage to kick off the autumn season-- cleansing and refreshing. If you try it, please let me know if you enjoyed it. What are some of your favorite autumn beverages for the fall? I'm giving away a free eBook today! MERRY CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES is a collection of sweet petite cozy mysteries to get you in the holiday mood. Leave a comment if you want to enter the drawing.

Keep calm and sugarcane on!

About Linda Kozar

Linda Kozar (www.lindakozar.com) writes both fiction and nonfiction titles, but is well known for her quirky cozy mysteries. She founded and serves on the board of Writers On The Storm, The Woodlands, Texas chapter of ACFW, blogs on Cozy Mystery Magazine, and is the lead host on the Along Came A Writer radio show. She is a member of CAN, AWSA, RWA, and ACFW. She and her husband of 26 years, live in The Woodlands, Texas, and enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters.

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About MERRY CHRISTMAS MYSTERIES

These sweet, petite cozy Christmas mysteries will bring a smile to your face while you're waiting for the cookies to finish baking. Curl up with a cup of Cinnamon tea, and Merry Christmas Mysteries.