Wasanbon toh is one of the few domestic sugars manufactured
using sugar cane called "Chikutoh"(also called "Hoso-kibi(thin
sugar cane)"), which is produced in Tokushima prefecture and
in one part of Kagawa prefecture. Machines are not used in the manufacturing
process.
Wasanbon toh produced in Tokushima prefecture is called "Awa
wasanbon toh". The main production area is the northern part
of Kamiita-cho in Itano county in the Tokushima prefecture, which
is located on the southern slope of the Asan mountains.
They first started growing sugar cane in this area more than two
hundred years ago. Before the war it was produced in large quantities
as an ordinary domestic sugar. As they started to import cheaper
refined sugar from abroad, the number of sugar makers decreased.
Wasanbon toh is now mainly used for making Japanese sweets.
The uniqueness of wasanbon toh is in its fine taste which has more
than just sweetness. Its special flavor and taste are quite rare
in the world, the reasons why it has continued to be produced even
in a climate that is not necessarily suited for producing sugar
cane.
For further details, please refer to "The
production centers and the history". |