Turbinado sugar

Turbinado sugar is a type of sugar that is partially refined and characterized by its large, coarse crystals and light brown color. It is derived from the initial pressings of the sugar cane, which gives it a slightly caramel flavor.

Production

The production of turbinado sugar begins with the extraction of juice from the sugar cane. The juice is then evaporated and spun in a turbine (hence the name 'turbinado') to remove the moisture. This process results in large, coarse crystals that are light brown in color due to the presence of molasses. Unlike white sugar, turbinado sugar does not undergo a full refining process, which allows it to retain some of the natural molasses and flavor of the sugar cane.

Uses

Turbinado sugar is often used as a topping on baked goods such as cookies and muffins due to its crunchy texture. It can also be used in beverages like coffee and tea, or in cooking to add a light caramel flavor. However, because of its coarse texture, it does not dissolve as easily as refined sugars, making it less suitable for certain recipes.

Health Aspects

While turbinado sugar is slightly less processed than white sugar, it is important to note that it is still a form of sucrose and should be consumed in moderation. It contains slightly more nutrients than white sugar due to the presence of molasses, but the difference is minimal and not enough to make it a healthy alternative.

See Also

• Brown sugar
• Raw sugar
• Demerara sugar