What is Panela?

Panela, known all over Ecuador, is an unrefined whole cane sugar integral to the country's culinary and cultural traditions. Produced by boiling and evaporating sugarcane juice, it retains molasses and a rich caramel flavor. In Ecuador, panela is commonly molded into blocks or cones and used in beverages like aguapanela and desserts such as melcochas. Its production supports rural economies and preserves artisanal methods passed down through generations. Watch this enlightening video to learn even more about the role panela plays in sustaining the economies of Ecuador and all of Latin America.