Discover what makes black sugar unique.
Plus, learn how to make black sugar syrup and ways it’s used.
But in Asian countries, there’s one more to add to the list: black sugar.
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What Is Black Sugar?
It’s basically white sugar that hasn’t had the molasses stripped out of it.
(For clarification, brown sugar that we use in baking is typically refined brown sugar.
That means the molasses has been stripped out of the sugar and then added back in.)
The process for making it is similar to that for raw sugar and unrefined brown sugar.
The sugar cane is squeezed until all the liquid is removed.
The liquid is then boiled down to a paste.
The paste is set aside to harden into chunks.
It’s then packaged or crushed into a powder.
Producers say when you put it in your mouth it’s soft and fluffy and immediately melts.
Because the molasses is not removed, black sugar has more minerals and nutritional value than regular white sugar.
For 1 teaspoon of white sugar, you get 4 grams carbohydrates and 4 grams sugars.
Because of the minerals in black sugar, it’s thought to have some health benefits.
It’s sometimes used by Japanese women to ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Where to Buy Black Sugar
Okinawa black sugar can be found in most Asian markets.
However, if there is not an Asian market near you, you could buy it online.
There are specialty retailers that ship it all over the world.
You may also find it in Latin American marketsin South America, it’s calledchancaca or panela piloncillo.
