Muscovado sugar

Muscovado Sugar

Muscovado sugar, also known as Barbados sugar, khandsari, or khand, is a type of sugar made from the sugar cane plant. It is a form of unrefined sugar in which the amount of molasses and mineral content has not been removed.

History

Muscovado sugar originated in the sugar plantations of the West Indies. The term "muscovado" is derived from the Portuguese "açúcar mascavado" which means "unrefined sugar". It was commonly used during the 18th century and 19th century but fell out of favor due to the rise of industrially processed and refined sugars.

Production

Muscovado sugar is produced by pressing sugar cane to extract the juice, then boiling this juice to create a rich syrup. This syrup is then left to dry and crystallize over time. The resulting sugar retains the natural molasses from the sugar cane, giving it a dark color and a strong, complex flavor.

Characteristics

Muscovado sugar is darker than most other sugars and has a strong molasses flavor. It is moist and sticky, with a coarse texture. The sugar is rich in minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium, due to the molasses content.

Uses

Muscovado sugar is often used in baking and cooking, particularly in recipes that require a deep, robust flavor. It is also used in the production of rum and other distilled spirits. In addition, it is used in traditional medicine in some cultures, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine.

Health Impact

While muscovado sugar is less processed than refined sugar, it is still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. It does, however, contain more nutrients than refined sugar due to the presence of molasses.

See Also

• Sugar
• Sugar cane
• Molasses
• Ayurvedic medicine