Refining and Processing Sugar Beets

Sugar beets grow in temperate climates and store sugar in their roots. Sugar beets are raised in many of the United States, including California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, and many of the Great Plains states. The sugar beet crop contributes slightly less than half of the total U.S. sugar crop. Sugar beets weigh about 2 pounds (910 g) each and contain 16 to 18 percent sucrose in their raw form. Their growing season is about five months long. Unlike sugarcane, the process for refining sugar beets takes place all at one location, generally near the growing area, as the beets do not travel well. Sugar beet factories operate seasonally in response to the harvest; during the time of operation, the facilities may be in production continuously day and night, seven days a week.