Destrehan Plantation rolls out its own cane syrup and raw sugar, cookbook is next

A private label cane syrup and raw sugar are among the new and exclusive offerings of the Destrehan Plantation Gift Shop, and plans are now in the works for a cookbook accompaniment to the cane syrup.

Joshua Pardo is in his third month as the gift shop manager, and said he is excited about the opportunity to learn more about the region and add new offerings to the shop.

“I could not be more excited to work at Destrehan Plantation and play a part in preserving Louisiana’s rich history,” he said. “I have come to find St. Charles Parish as very special, historic and charming. I’ve got big plans for the shop, with new and exciting merchandise hitting the shelves every month.”

Pardo said he started brainstorming about fresh offerings he could bring in to the shop to sell when he took over operations in March.

“One of the first things I thought of that was a cane syrup and raw sugar … not only to tie better to the experience but to make things feel fresh in the store” he said.

He immediately dove into the process to bring the cane syrup to the shop via a private label.

“It developed rather quickly. It was a labor of love, but it has definitely become one of our leading sellers for sure,” he said. “I love Louisiana’s local sugar cane industry and found this to be a great way to tie the past with the present … it is absolutely delicious.”

The syrup can be used for everything from baking and barbequing to stirring in your coffee, Pardo said.

Next came the raw sugar product. Now Pardo said he is planning for a cookbook to accompany the line.

“It’s in the early development,” he said of the book. “We’re compiling recipes and would give credit to everyone. We want it to reflect the history of the plantation and information about sugar and cane syrup.”

To submit a recipe, contact Pardo via the plantation’s Facebook or Instagram or email him at joshua@destrehanplantation.org.

Pardo said he hopes to continue to grow the gift shop’s private label product line, as well as continue to expand the shop’s line of local favorites.

“We’re one of the few select retailers of the Maggie Richardson Raw Sugar Toffee Candies,” he said. “We carry all of the flavors.”

For more information on Destrehan Plantation or the gift shop’s products, visit www.destrehanplantation.org or search “Destrehan Plantation – A Living History Museum” on Facebook or “Destrehan Plantation” on Instagram.