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Upgrade Your Cup of Coffee with Demerara Sugar

What is Demerara Sugar?

Demerara Sugar is partially unrefined sugar that is also derived from Sugarcane which is light brown in colour and is more crystalline in nature. The word Demerara comes from its place of origin, the Demerara River in Guyana. Demerara Sugar is considered a much healthier option than Sugar and is used in baking because it tends to retain moisture giving the cakes or muffins a very light texture.

Demerara Sugar is not as processed as White Sugar and also contains traces of Vitamins and Minerals. It gets its colour from the molasses present in the Sugar. Brown Sugar has more caramel-like flavour and is not too sweet when compared to White Sugar.

How is Demerara Sugar made?

Demerara Sugar is derived from Sugarcane but is not as processed as White Sugar. Demerara Sugar is brown in colour because it contains molasses. Sugarcane undergoes the following process to become Demerara Sugar:

1.The Sugarcane is crushed and its juice is extracted.

2.The Thin sugar syrup is heated to remove all the impurities and polysaccharides and wax.

3.The cane Syrup is then cooled and seeded with small Sugar Crystals so that large Sugar crystals are formed.

4.It is then left to be crystallised and hardened.

5.The Sugar crystals are then washed to remove dirt and impurities

6.Once it is washed, the Sugar Crystals i.e Jaggery are dried and then sent for packaging.

Benefits of Demerara Sugar

Demerara Sugar apart from being a healthy option is also beneficial in a lot of ways:

1. Demerara Sugar can be applied on the skin and can be used to scrub to remove dead skin. It also moisturises the skin.

2. Demerara Sugar is rich in nutrients as it comprises molasses and other minerals such calcium, Vitamin B3, B5, and iron. Its also helps in preventing Vitamin depletion.

3. Demerara Sugar is a perfect Immunity Booster. People with low immunity or skin problems can easily consume without any kind of side effects.

4.Demerara Sugar also helps clear acne.

5. Demerara Sugar has several anti-inflammatory properties as it does not trigger the growth of bacteria in the body.

Difference between Demerara Sugar and Brown Sugar

Demerara Sugar and Brown Sugar are both brown in colour but that does not mean they are the same.

1. Colour and texture: Demerara Sugar is partially unrefined and contains molasses. Brown Sugar is basically Sugar to which molasses is added. Demerara Sugar has a more crunchy, grainy texture when compared to Brown Sugar.

2. Flavour:Demerara Sugar has a more toffee like flavour and is more crunchy. Brown Sugar is more molasses oriented and therefore has an oriented deep rich flavour.

3. Moisture Content: Demerara Sugar is generally preferred by bakers because it is more moist and therefore perfect for baking.

Is Demerara Sugar Good for Health?

Demerara Sugar is generally considered a health food because it contains sucrose, but if consumed moderately, Demerara Sugar is considered a healthier option than White Sugar. Nutritional content value is more when compared to White Sugar, which makes it a choice for people who choose healthy food over processed food. Demerara Sugar has a low glycemic Index which means it is not easily absorbed by the bloodstream, thereby making it an optimal choice for people with diabetes.

Uses of Demerara Sugar:

Demerara Sugar gets its colour because it is partially unrefined. It looks similar in colour and texture to Brown Sugar because both of them contain molasses. Demerara Sugar can be used in the following ways:

Sweetener: Can be used as a sweetener while making beverages, mocktails and Juices.

Baking: Demerara Sugar retains moisture thereby making pastries and cakes soft and fluffy.

Topping: Because of its Crunchy Texture, Demerara Sugar makes it a viable option to be used as Toppings on pastries, cakes and fruits.

BBQ Sauce: Demerara Sugar is the perfect sweetener for Homemade BBQ Sauces and recipes.

Marinades: Demerara Sugar is used in marinating meats and vegetables as it provides a hint of sweetness and caramelizes the surface.

Considered a versatile ingredient in kitchens, Demerara Sugar has a very distinct flavour and is perfect to elevate the taste of any dish/recipe.

How to use Demerara Sugar?

Demerara Sugar has multiple uses and benefits. It can be used as a sweetener to enhance the taste. It can be used as a scrub to exfoliate dead skin. Use it to garnish baked products and goods.Helps add that extra crunch in cookies, cheesecakes, biscuits etc.,