Factors affecting the levels of colour entering a sugar mill

Colour is a major determinant of the quality of raw sugar due to its obvious visual impact and the cost of removal during the refining process. This study reports on two aspects of colour loading entering a sugar mill. Firstly, the feasibility of using first expressed juice (IXJ) to measure the total input of colourants and colour precursors in mixed juice (MJ) at Kalamia mill was examined. Secondly, juice samples from replicated variety trials conducted by BSES, Ayr, were analysed to determine the influence of varieties and locations on colourants in juice.