Entre engenhos e alambiques: circulação e produção de aguardente de cana em Maranguape (1860-1930)

Abstract

This research presents a study on the production and circulation of cane liquor in the municipality of Maranguape during the second half of the 19th century to the first decades of the 20th century. For this, we analyzed both the context of Maranguape during the time of the research, and the internal issues of the municipality, in particular we seek to understand the organization of the space for production of cane liquor. The last decades of the 19th century are marked by the progressive growth in the production of cane liquor throughout the province. Throughout this period, the municipality of Maranguape stands out from the rest for arriving and maintaining its position as the largest cachaça producer in Ceará. In addition to physical factors, much of this emphasis is due to the spatial context in which Maranguape was inserted. The urban network involving Maranguape, Baturité, Pacatuba and Fortaleza influenced both the production and the circulation of products between these urban centers. Among these products, cane liquor was included, as well as coffee and cotton, as one of the marketing modalities.