Wikipedia Article About Piloncillo on Wikipedia Panela (chancaca, piloncillo, panocha, rapadura, jaggery, gur) is an unbleached and unrefined sweetener made from sugar cane. It is found in Colombia and the surrounding area of South America. Variations are found in Mexico ("piloncillo") and India ("jaggery"). It is available in brick form and is usually gold or brown in color. Many claims have been made about the beneficial medicinal effects of panela. It is thought to be helpful in treating a cold.