Sugar Cane to Poncha
Madeira Island is very rich in culture and is becoming increasingly diversified, with flower, sugar cane, wickerwork and embroidery industries playing important roles in the economy. One of the most important activities in the 19th century was definitely the transformation of sugar cane. From raw material – sugar cane – into honey and aguardente. Bringing to life to the most popular drink in Madeira – Poncha.
Sónia, works at Calheta Sugar Mill and explains the several processes of the sugarcane and its different uses. Arsénia, a local resident engaged with the community of Curral das Freiras, speaks up about the original Poncha recipe, she learned back in the time of her grandparents.