Matsyapurana 77.14

77.14

śarkarā tu parā tasmād ikṣusāro 'mṛtātmavān
iṣṭā raverataḥ puṇyā śarkarā havyakavyayoḥ //

The nectar fell from the mouth of the Sun, whilst He was quaffing it, out of which (Śâli) rice, mûnga pulse and sugarcane were produced. Sugarcane is the best of all these three, because out of it sugar is prepared. Its juice is just like nectar; consequently, an offering of sugar to Devas and Pitṛis is dear to the Sun also.—13-14.