What is Demerara Sugar?

Without sugar, it will simply be not possible to prepare anything from tea to desserts or some main dishes, as it is. When you use the white, granular condiment to make various foods, do you really think about the types of sugar? The question, may take many people by utter amazement as most of them do not know or think about types of sugar! While sugar substitutes like stevia and similar sweeteners are being used by obese and diabetic lot in recent years- for the rest of people, sugar seems to be the same. The reality is quite different though. There are various types of sugar and each has subtle variations.

Main types of sugar:

Apart from the typical white sugar that is sold in grains of varying sizes in supermarkets and shops, you do get other variants that have different texture, flavor and appearance.

1. Demerara sugar - This is an unrefined sugar variant with a pale golden color and larger grain. Some people confuse it with brown sugar. It can be used as a sweetener with coffee and tea and you may also use this sugar for diverse baking requirements. The variant has been named after a region in Guyana which was its origin. Now the majority of Demerara brown sugar is made and sold in Mauritius. As it is, this sugar tastes a little different than regular sugar. Since it is not made to undergo refinement and processing, it has a creamy flavor. A variant called London Demerara is also sold, but it's oil refined and may contain bone in the refining process. Despite its nice flavor and taste, you should not use Demerara sugar for recipes that require caster sugar. The calories in demerara sugar are not very high.

2. Turbinado sugar - When Demerara sugar is processed in turbines it is marketed as Turbinado sugar. Some people have a feeling that Turbinado sugar is more important from nutrition perspective. The large crystals are ideal for use as topping on some naked goods. The grains have a unique off-white hue. It is partially processed.

3. Muscovado sugar - This variant is derived from cane juice as well. But the USP is its moist texture and molasses type flavor. It is best to use in savory dishes like marinades and barbecue sauces. Also called Barbados Sugar, this variant is dried sans the usage of a centrifuge device.

So, which one to choose?

This is the question many people ask when they eventually get to know about sugar variants available in the market. There are some widespread misconceptions of one variant of cane sugar being better or healthier than others. Keep in mind that all these forms of cane sugars are basically sucrose derived from the natural source. Sugar cane is not really a powerhouse source of nutrients.

However, given a choice, you may opt for the Muscovado type. It does not contain any nutrient or antioxidant! However, it is less processed than the other two variants-which ensures it does not undergo bleaching or boiling. This does give it an edge-albeit slightly over the 2 other options. You may opt for it if choosing a greener way of life is what you prefer and using all types of eco friendly things makes sense to you.

There is no denying sugar consumption that does not cause any good to your health. However, much the deserts and sugary snacks may tempt your taste buds you should limit the intake of sugar laden foods! Apart from diabetes, excess sugar intake paves way to several health issues. This is also true of other natural sugar sources like maple syrup and palm sugar.