Panela: The Same as Cane Sugar?

By: Luciana Vallejo

Courtesy of Emilio Fajardo and Sara Naranjo

Panela, a pleasant, unrefined sweetener, proves itself different from cane sugar. Perhaps it's the way how panela is important to Colombian culture around all areas. Perhaps it's the way how it worms its way into most sweet dishes and drinks in our country. Or perhaps it's the way how, even today, Colombian cultures are finding a way to mantain its harvest, and therefore, our legacy, traditions, and culture, alive.

Finca carrizales is a family-owned business located in Jardín. It carries a deep history, tainted with the trademarked violence that rampaged Colombia through its recent history. Community members had to leave their beloved finca for more than a decade to ensure their safety. Once they returned, they were lucky, as they were able to reclaim their lands. They managed to diversify their products, specializing not only in panela, but also in its locally grown coffee and pollen. Overall, it calls for a local experience ensuring delight and charm.

Courtesy of Emilio Fajardo and Sara Naranjo

So, you might ask, why is panela so important here?

Panela, the thing is, plays a part on this family's business. Whether it be making it, selling it, or showing it on a tour, panela is a part of the Marín family tradition, ensuring its legacy through a marketable product.

Finca carrizales also ensures that the part of sustainable tourism is also achieved. In their cultivation methods, they avoid using any type of agrochemicals, and strive for maximum conservation of local fauna and flora.

So, you might ask again, why panela?

Panela shows a way how Colombian culture was left intact. It represents the hopes and dreams of a family, the painful legacy of Colombian violence, and how endurance and hard work can eventually pay off, establishing a connection with our culture that cannot be broken.

Courtesy of Emilio Fajardo and Sara Naranjo

And so, the next time you're in Jardín, swing by Finca carrizales. As it turns out, they might be able to teach you more about history and culture than any media type can.