Remember that sugar plant explosion two weeks ago in Georgia? I kept hearing the story but never encountered a discussion as to why sugar is such an explosive material. Today I found that Slate.com had provided this lengthy explanation. 
Earlier this morning a report on NPR quoted a local florist working on a wreath for a memorial service--nine people were killed in the accident. Here's what she said about the people who made Dixie Crystals possible:
"When I use that sugar, I've always thought of these guys, and now, of course when I use my sweet sugar, these guys that help put it in that bag are gone," Brown says. "And the whole plant's gone and the whole community just suffers, so I think it kind of does bring it home."
Dixie Crystals brand, today owned by Imperial Sugar, began in 1917. The new business venture was then known as the Savannah Sugar Refining Corporation. According to Imperial's website history, " Nearly 400 people, white and black, moved from Louisiana to Savannah to help build and run the plant."
We try to remember with gratitude every day the people who bring us our food, of all variety. Those who fish commercially, farmers and farm laborers, scientists, truckers, supermarket workers, agronomists, chefs, servers, botanists, soil experts, and on and on.
OY! Pondering my response to the lovely meme, thank you,( I think,) Bibliochef.
Posted by: foodie | February 27, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Hiya. Have not been by for a while, but love the blog as always. I tagged you for a meme at Cooking with Ideas -- it'll show up on Sunday Feb 24.
Posted by: bibliochef | February 23, 2008 at 03:35 PM