make it special.
A HARVEST far, far away
The threat posed by a recent oil spill has drawn the world’s attention to Mauritius - the island of beaches, palm trees and turquoise waters. As the clean-up continues, the country’s vital source of income - sugar - has never been more important. John Whaite visited at harvest time to follow the process from cane to soft-flowing bags of ‘special sugar’ - and create recipes that are a taste of paradise
FERTILE BEAUTY The tropical climate and volcanic soil that give Mauritius its stunning landscape are also optimal for growing sugar cane
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHS ROB STREETER
A BIT ABOUT JOHN
He won the Great British Bake Off in 2012 (how can it be eight years ago?!) and, since then, has done a diploma in patisserie at London’s Le Cordon Bleu cookery school and written five cookery books. In 2016, he opened a cookery school in Lancashire on the family farm where he grew up (johnwhaiteskitchen. com). Follow John on Instagram @john_whaite
Where does your mind take you when you think of Mauritius? I’ll bet doeeyed honeymooners spring to mind, dripping in diamonds and designer clothes. It’s hardly surprising - the gleaming white beaches and crystalclear waters surrounding this pinprick of an island in the Indian Ocean beckon to lovers from all over the globe. There are also, of course, roads lined with mangroves and mango trees, as well as palm trees waving to greet you in the welcome breeze that baffles the intense burn of the sun.