A Cone of Sugar

Sugar used to come in cones, also known as a loaf. This was true up until the late 1800's in many areas. The sugar could be scraped off, but there was also a special tool called a sugar nip to break off pieces. The sugar was shaped by putting it in molds. These molds came in various sizes and, therefore, so did the sugar cones.

References to sugar has been found in a 9th century Arabic writing and in 12th century Jordan. In Europe, the earliest know records come from Italy in 1470, Belgium 1508, Holland 1566, Germany 1573. and France 1613. With the sugar plantations in the Caribbean and the Triangular Trade, sugar became big business in the Americas in the 1700's.

In my newly released historical novel, When Winter Is Past, Stanton buys Beth a cone of sugar so she can make some strawberry preserves:

            “I decided to get you a little something when I went to the store.” Stanton told Beth when she opened the door to him, and he handed her the sugar cone.

Beth appeared surprised and speechless for a moment. “You shouldn’t have bought anything for me. Is this why you went?”

“No, I needed some tea, but please accept my small attempt to give you something you might need.”

 When an editor read it, she questioned a cone of sugar. I had to explain the history of it. She also questioned that Stanton didn't give the sugar to Beth in a bag and noted this was unsanitary. They didn't use bags in 1737. Shoppers normally took their baskets with them to carry their purchases in. For larger amounts, they'd use something like wooden crates. And, they had no concept of germs, sanitation, or hygene. It was a different time.

(All my profits go to a scholarship fund for missionary children.)

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