Sweet Nexus: Sugar and the Origins of the modern World.

The beginning of sugar began in India, in the fourth century, but was better known in China. It began its global expansion through the Muslims. With this introduction of sugar it began to be a luxury because the process of it. It was always made in large scales, it could be grown in hot areas. Once it was the fifteen century sugar was then introduced in souther Spain and in Portugal. It wasn't until the eighteen century where sugar was then used as a sweetener for drinks such as; coffee, cocoa and tea. One thing while reading that really got my attention was when it said "...sugar consumption among the average citizens showed not their wealth but their poverty and lack of adequate nourishment." (page 91) What I didn't understand was that sugar was a form of poverty and not wealth. I guess in a way of such a large consumption it has because it grows so much at a time it wouldn't be worth a lot. But, since it was used as a luxury items in some cases I would believe it was more known as a wealthy and high class item. One of the main things that help the production of sugar were slaves.