Golden Syrup

Treacle tart is a popular traditional British dessert that has been an all-time favorite for many ('including the much adored Harry Potter'). This tart with a base made of short crust pastry differs from others because of its delicious filling that is made of golden syrup, breadcrumbs and a small amount of lemon butter. One of the reasons behind the unique flavor of this dessert is golden syrup, which is a sweetener.

What is Golden Syrup?

It is a sweetener that resembles honey in color as well as flavor. But, in fact, it is made during the process of refining sugarcane to sugar. It is golden in color and has the consistency of corn syrup. It is very popular in United Kingdom, where this sugar product is used in a wide range of recipes, including desserts like treacle tart. It is also used as topping for pancakes and oatmeal.

This delicious sweetener was invented in 1883, by a Scottish businessman Abram Lyle, at his sugar factory in London. He filled this product in wooden casks and sold them to his employees and relatives. Soon, it became so popular that Abram Lyle started commercial production of golden syrup, which is now one of the most popular brands in U.K. and other parts of the world. Lyle's golden syrup is easily distinguished with the gold and green tins with the logo of a lion carcass along with some bees. Another interesting fact about this brand is that it adorns the Guinness World Records for being the oldest brand in Britain.

How is Golden Syrup Made?

As stated above, it is produced during the process of refining sugarcane juice. It is an inverted sugar cane syrup, which is made through partial splitting of sucrose into glucose and fructose. Splitting of disaccharide sucrose is done by adding hydrochloric acid. As this process makes the solution slightly acidic, it is treated with lye solution to make the resultant product neutral in nature. Golden syrup contains a small part of sucrose, apart from glucose and fructose. This syrup is sweeter than sugar and so, should be used accordingly.

One of the common queries about this product is with regard to its substitutes. You may use honey or corn syrup, but, the flavor will be slightly different. Such substitutes may not produce the characteristic flavor of golden syrup. You can make a substitute by mixing two parts of light corn syrup with a part of molasses. You may also go for a mixture of equal parts of honey and corn syrup (or maple syrup). Some people reduce corn syrup, so as to make it thick and fit for using as a golden syrup substitute. In Germany, 'Zuckerrübensirup', a syrup made from sugar beets is used in place of this sweetener. In Australia and New Zealand, a local brand named Chelsea golden syrup is available. In case of South Africa, you may get a local brand named Illovo. USA does not have any local brands and if golden syrup is not available in stores, you may order this product online.

In short, golden syrup is a sweetener made from sugarcane juice and is one of the indispensable ingredients in a number of recipes, including the popular treacle tart. You may get this product and try such recipes or use this sugar product as a substitute for honey or corn syrup.