How to Store Sugarcane So It Lasts Longer
Ground storage method: choose a wind-sheltered spot, rake the topsoil loose, water the ground surface, pile the sugarcane into a heap about 2 m high, cover it with fresh sugarcane leaves, then add a layer of soil on top of the leaves; trench storage method: tie the sugarcane into bundles, place them in a trench, fill wet soil around the sugarcane pile, then cover with soil on top, and prevent water from accumulating inside the sugarcane pile; cellar storage method: for cellar storage in frost-prone areas, line the bottom, sides and top of the cellar with fresh sugarcane leaves, keep the cellar moist, and when the temperature drops below 10°C, cover with soil to seal the cellar.
How to store sugarcane?
1. Ground storage method
In or near the sugarcane field, choose a wind-sheltered spot, rake the topsoil loose, water the ground surface, pile the sugarcane into a heap about 2 m high, cover it with fresh sugarcane leaves, then add a layer of soil on top of the leaves. This method can store sugarcane for about one month.
2. Trench storage method
This method is suitable for storing sugarcane in frost-free areas or during frost-free periods. Use trenches in the sugarcane field, tie the sugarcane into bundles, place them in the trench in small piles with half a meter between each pile, fill wet soil around the sugarcane piles, then cover with soil on top. During storage, prevent water from accumulating inside the sugarcane piles.
3. Cellar storage method
Suitable for storing sugarcane in frost-prone areas. Choose a spot where water does not accumulate, dig a cellar 30-60 cm deep and as wide as the length of the sugarcane stalks (in rainy areas, drainage ditches need to be dug inside and outside the cellar). Make bundles of 10 sugarcane stalks, stack them horizontally 5-7 layers high, with the cane heads facing the same direction or with heads and roots crossed; each cellar should hold no more than 5000 kg. Line the bottom, sides and top of the cellar with fresh sugarcane leaves, and pour cold water twice to keep the cellar moist. When the temperature drops below 10°C, cover with soil to seal the cellar. During storage, control the temperature at 4-9°C and the humidity at about 80%-90%. Cellar storage can preserve sugarcane for several months or even through the winter.
How to store peeled sugarcane?
Refrigerator freshness keeping
Sugarcane is high in both water and sugar. After peeling, sugarcane stored directly at room temperature easily loses too much water, dries out, and develops a poorer taste; it is also prone to fungal growth and spoilage. This kind of sugarcane should be cut into small sections with a knife and placed in the freshness-keeping compartment of the refrigerator. Do not sprinkle with water or wrap it in plastic wrap; just place it directly on a plate. It can be stored for about 2-3 days and should be eaten within a short time.