Panela is a type of unrefined cane sugar commonly used in Latin American countries. It is made by boiling sugarcane juice until it thickens and solidifies, resulting in a block or cake form. Panela has a rich, caramel-like flavor and retains some of the natural molasses, giving it a darker color compared to refined sugars. In addition to its sweetening properties, panela is often used in traditional recipes, beverages, and desserts. It is considered a more natural alternative to processed sugars and is sometimes praised for its potential health benefits, as it contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.