Muscovado Sugar

When it comes to making something sweet , sugar is one ingredient that should be available at all times. However, we all know that sugar is fattening and often leads to health complications if taken in excess. But we are so used to it that we tend to ignore the fact that there are many healthier sugar substitutes that can be used besides normal sugar. Muscovado sugar is one of them and nowadays is in great demand because of its organic nature and the minimal time it takes to get processed than its counterparts. Now let's see in detail how it is made and some interesting facts about muscovado sugar.

What is Muscovado Sugar?

Muscovado sugar is a type of unrefined cane sugar which is used on a wide scale in baking goods and preparing desserts. This sugar is very popular in the US and Great Britain and is easily available in supermarkets. Muscovado is also known as 'Barbados Sugar' or 'Moist Sugar' in many countries. Reports suggest that it first originated in Mauritius and unlike other colored sugars which are made by adding molasses to refined white sugar, muscovado gets its color and flavor from the original source - sugarcane. This sugar is made by squeezing fresh sugarcane juice, and cooking it for some time before allowing it to dry. In the process various substances are added to eliminate the impurities that are present in the sugarcane juice. During the process, impurities rise to the top in the form of foam and are removed. Lime juice and coconut milk are added as refining agents in the processing of muscovado sugar as they do not leave any flavors behind. After muscovado sugar is cooked and dried, it is broken in various pieces and sold off in markets.

Muscovado Sugar Facts

• Muscovado sugar is a type of unrefined brown sugar with a strong honey like flavor.
• Muscovado sugar has two distinctive attributes; the first is the size, uneven shape and roughness of its sugar crystals. The second is the high content of molasses in it which gives the sugar its dark, strong flavored and sticky characteristic. Due to these two unique characteristics it becomes very difficult to find a substitute for muscovado sugar as it is known for its moisture content, roughness and flavor which is tough to duplicate.
• The six most important minerals of muscovado sugar are; Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Mineral Salts.
• As muscovado is considered a healthier option over sugar, it is used for making whiskey and honey based drinks.
• It has a good resistance to high temperatures and can remain fresh for many months.
• Muscovado sugar is of two types, light brown and dark brown. Light brown muscovado sugar is used as a flavoring agent in many dishes basically which consists of fish and root vegetables. Dark brown muscovado sugar is used in making different types of sauces, marinades, chutneys, chocolate cakes, chocolate drinks and various kinds of ice creams.
• This type of sugar has a lower calorie content than regular sugar; 1 tsp contains 11 calories. Naturally processed muscovado has more nutritive value than most of the white sugars.
• Dark brown sugar and demerara sugar can be used as muscovado sugar substitutes in many cases.

Muscovado Sugar Recipe

Apple, Cranberry and Walnut Mixed Bread

Ingredients:

• Muscovado sugar, 75g dark
• Dried cranberries, 125g
• Self-raising flour, 240g
• Rolled oats, 50g
• Walnuts, 30g
• Dried apples diced in small pieces, 60g
• Baking powder, 1tsp
• Ground cinnamon, 1tsp
• Allspice, ½ tsp
• Skim milk, 300ml
• Honey, 60ml

Method: Take a big bowl and add oats, pour milk and let it soak for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°F. In a separate bowl add flour, baking powder, oat mix, cranberries, muscovado sugar, apple, spices and honey. Mix well and pour this mixture into a non stick baking dish and sprinkle it with walnuts. Bake it for 45 minutes and check if the skewer comes out clean. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool.

Even though it is a much better alternative than normal sugar, muscovado has a limited consumer base as many people are still unaware about the numerous benefits it has to offer. This low popularity can be blamed on the lack of marketing of the product but as the trend of using healthier and organic products is on the rise, muscovado will soon become a popular alternative to normal sugar.