A natural cooler

IT WAS in the vibrant, busy streets of Vietnam that Cristoph Schiessl first had a sip of sugarcane juice. Served casually on street stalls, Cristoph said that the juice is very popular among locals because of its taste that runs on just the right level of sweetness and its overall refreshing effect to the body.

Cristoph swore that he “loved the juice the moment he tried it,” and was quite disappointed, upon returning to the Philippines in 2007, that he could not find a place in Cebu offering the cool and healthy treat.

Surprising him more back then was when he discovered that the Philippines is actually one of the leading producers of sugarcane. “How come we don’t have it here?” he thought. That, in a nutshell, sheds light on the origin of his creation, Tubó Cane Juice, the city’s first and only brand serving a variety of flavored drinks that have been sweetened using natural sugarcane extract.

It was established in November 2010 and since then it had gathered a fervent group of followers, as its line of drinks have proven to be a very good alternative to soda, energy drinks and milk-based products. At present, Tubó Cane Juice’s main branch is located at the ground floor of JCentre Mall in Mandaue City.

Some might initially get the impression that since it is essentially “sugar,” it would be a one-way ticket to high blood sugar levels. But as Cristoph pointed out, “raw sugar doesn’t increase sugar level as high as refined sugar does.” It is said to have a lower glycemic index as well as lesser calories compared to refined sugar.

Other health benefits include strengthening the immune system, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and its antioxidant properties that slow down aging. Cristoph revealed that sugarcane juice has been in fact used in several traditional medicines around the world. It is a popular health treat in countries like Vietnam, India, China, Egypt and Brazil.

When going to Tubó Cane Juice, one can personally see for himself how the sugarcane is inserted into the extracting machine and crushed to get the juice. It is then combined with whatever fruit or milk the customer has ordered.

“The juice is alkaline, it’s basic, so any flavor you add that has high acid, will produce a really good taste,” Cristoph said.

Tubó Cane Juice’s selection of fresh juices include natural sugarcane, calamansi, orange, mint and passion fruit. As for its choices of slush: there’s mango, kiwi, melon, coco and pineapple.

Cristoph takes pride in using only natural and organically grown fruits in their drinks. “My uncle has an organic farms in the north of Cebu, and we grow some of our organic fruits there,” he said. “We try to stick to the concept of having no preservatives added.”

Other items on their menu are what is labeled as “Tubó ice fusion,” which is basically their own take on special beverages. They have milk tea, milky pearl and strawberry milk for the kiddies; as well as a cool ginger drink for those would like a sweeter version of the traditional salabat (hot ginger tea).

On some occasions, when Tubó Cane Juice accepts catering services to parties and functions, Cristoph then serves alcoholic mixed drinks using sugarcane juice as base.

“I got the idea from the Brazilians,” Cristoph shared. “In Brazil, before they go out and party, they make sugarcane cocktails. It re-hydrates the body, so you don’t get drunk that badly and you don’t get hangovers.”

Fruit juices, milk teas and cocktails can now have a healthier and more interesting twist with Tubó Cane Juice in the picture. Whether getting it as it is (natural juice) or mixing it with a fruit or perhaps another drink, one can surely be guaranteed of a sweet, healthy and revitalizing experience.