Granulated panela: new concept for an old tradition

Abstract

The consumption of panela or papelón in Venezuela is traditional and is part of the typical habits of the Venezuelan inhabitant. However, the average amount consumed is around 0.4 - 5.05 Kg/person/year. It should be noted that residents of the Andean states have higher consumption (10-12 kilograms in urban areas and 15-18 kilograms in rural areas). Among the reasons for the weakness of the product are the commercial presentation (in the shape of a cone or rectangular panel), which makes its practical use difficult; as well as the lack of homogeneity and presence of foreign matter.