Sugar & Citrus

Definition

Sugar refers to sweet-tasting soluble carbohydrates obtained especially from sugarcane and sugar beet used in food. Citrus refers to a group of fruit-bearing trees or shrubs that produce citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes etc. Both were significant commodities during colonial times due to their high demand.

Related terms

Colonialism: The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Colonial powers often established sugar plantations in their colonies.

Triangular Trade: A multilateral system of trading in which a country pays for its imports from one country by its exports to another. For example, sugar and citrus were often part of this trade pattern between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Slavery: A system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves were often used on plantations where sugar cane was grown.