Le Sucre

The following study analyses the factors behind the spread of sugar cane from the East to the West, the geography of its establishment in the Mediterranean era and reconstitutes the processes of sugar production and the organisation of work in the plantations and medieval sugar factories. It questions the quality of sugar produced and the evolution of prices of this commodity. It establishes the conditions of its transport and trade. Finally, it studies the different uses of sugar, including in medicins and diets. Sugar was triumphant as a food stuff and became an indispensable ingredient in the confectionery and pastry, which decorated the tables of the royal courts. It remained a luxury product reserved for the high society.