New Orleans Syrup

New Orleans syrup is a gold-colored sweetener derived from sugarcane juice. In New Orleans the product is most commonly known by the brand name Steen’s 100% Pure Cane Syrup or ribbon cane syrup. In southern states it became known as New Orleans syrup because of the large quantities produced in the New Orleans area.

The sugarcane plant used for syrup production came from India by way of the Caribbean islands. It was first introduced to Louisiana in the mid-eighteenth century and thrives there in the high temperatures and constant moisture required for cultivation. Farmers often raised patches of sugarcane and took their harvests to local sugar mills for processing. During harvest season the cane is cut down, and its outer leaves are stripped away. At the mill the stalks are pulverized, and the cane juice is boiled to remove impurities. The resulting syrup is canned and cooled.