Rum facts for kids
Rum is a type of alcoholic drink. It is made from sugarcane or a thick, sweet syrup called molasses. To make rum, these ingredients go through two main steps: fermentation and distillation.
Rum is mostly made in countries around the Caribbean. You can also find rum being made in other parts of the world, like Fiji or Australia.
Contents
How Rum is Made
Making rum involves a few interesting steps.
From Sugarcane to Molasses
Rum starts with sugarcane. This tall grass is grown in warm places. Workers harvest the sugarcane and press it to get out its sweet juice. This juice is then often boiled. When it boils, sugar crystals form, and what's left over is a thick, dark syrup called molasses. Molasses is a key ingredient for many rums. Some rums are made directly from sugarcane juice.
Fermentation: The First Step
After getting the molasses or sugarcane juice, the next step is called fermentation. This is where tiny living things called yeast are added to the sweet liquid. The yeast eats the sugars in the molasses or juice. As the yeast eats the sugar, it creates alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. This process can take a few days.
Distillation: Making it Stronger
After fermentation, the liquid now contains alcohol. This liquid is then heated in a special container called a still. This process is called distillation. When the liquid is heated, the alcohol turns into a vapor (a gas) at a lower temperature than water. This vapor is then cooled down, turning it back into a liquid. This new liquid is much stronger in alcohol.
Aging: The Final Touch
Many rums are then aged. This means they are stored in wooden barrels, often made of oak. The rum can stay in these barrels for many years. During this time, the rum gets its color, flavor, and smoothness from the wood. The longer rum ages, the more its taste can change and develop.
Where Rum Comes From
Rum has a strong connection to the Caribbean islands.
The Caribbean Connection
The Caribbean region is famous for its rum. Many islands there have a long history of growing sugarcane and making rum. Each island or country often has its own special way of making rum. This gives different rums unique tastes and styles.
Rum Around the World
While the Caribbean is the heart of rum production, it's also made in other places. Countries like Fiji and Australia also produce rum. This shows how popular and widespread rum-making has become.
A Bit of History
Rum has a long and interesting past.
Early Days
Sugarcane was first grown in Asia. It was brought to the Caribbean by explorers. The idea of making alcohol from sugarcane by-products likely started on sugarcane plantations in the 17th century. It quickly became a popular drink.
Sailors and Pirates
Rum became very important for sailors and the navy. It was easy to store on ships. Sailors in the Royal Navy used to get a daily amount of rum. This tradition lasted for a long time. Pirates also famously enjoyed rum.
Images for kids
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Government House rum, made in St. Croix around 1941.
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The Mount Gay Rum visitors centre in Barbados. This company claims to be the world's oldest active rum maker, with records from 1703.
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Pirates carrying rum to shore, as shown in The Pirates Own Book by Charles Ellms.
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Wrens during World War II serving rum to a sailor.
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Beenleigh Rum Distillery in Australia, around 1912.
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The Bacardi building in Havana, Cuba.
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Sugarcane is harvested to make sugarcane juice and molasses.
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A traditional rum distillery along the N7 road in Madagascar.
See also
In Spanish: Ron para niños
