Raw sugar would have then been shipped to Europe where it would be processed into table sugar or rum.
In Europe, the raw sugar would undergo a process known as refining in order to transform it into table sugar or to be used in the production of rum. The refining process involves removing impurities and contaminants from the raw sugar, resulting in a purer, white or brown crystalline product.
Refining typically involves washing the raw sugar with water to dissolve the outer layer of molasses and other impurities. The resulting liquid, known as "sugar liquor," is then subjected to further purification steps such as filtration, carbonation, and clarification to remove any remaining impurities. This refined sugar is then crystallized, dried, and milled to produce the familiar granulated or powdered table sugar.
Additionally, some of the raw sugar may be used in the production of rum. Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or sugarcane juice. The raw sugar may be milled to extract sugarcane juice, which is then fermented, distilled, and aged to produce rum.
Overall, the shipment of raw sugar to Europe allowed for the processing and refinement of the sugar into various forms, including table sugar and rum, which were widely consumed and utilized in European markets.