Brown sugar is not the same as muscovado. Technically, you can classify both as brown sugar based only on their color; however, these two sugars are more complex than their hue alone. Although they are both sweet, they are not the same.
- Muscovado sugar is unprocessed raw sugar that has not been spun in a centrifuge, thus preserving most of its original molasses. However, refined white sugar is combined with molasses to create the brown sugar that you find on store shelves.
- Because there is no accepted definition of muscovado sugar, some producers call any brown sugar with a high molasses content muscovado.
- Although it is possible to manufacture brown sugar at home by mixing white sugar and molasses, it is impossible to make authentic muscovado sugar. Only sugar mills can produce authentic muscovado sugar.
What is muscovado sugar?
Muscovado sugar is also known as Barbados sugar, Khandsari, and Khand. Most of it is produced in India, Colombia, and the West Indies, with India being the main exporter.
Muscovado sugar is unprocessed or "raw," meaning that molasses has not been taken out, in contrast to granulated and brown sugars. Only sugarcane is used in its production. Cane extract is heated, and the liquid is allowed to evaporate until just the sugar residue is left.
- Muscovado sugar is lighter in color than brown sugar, which has a distinct molasses flavor. It has the consistency of wet sand when compared with brown sugar because of the coarser crystals present in it.
- Some people say that muscovado sugar has a more complex, earthy flavor than granulated sugar, with undertones of toffee and a smokey aftertaste.
- There are two varieties of muscovado sugar available in stores: light and dark.
- Light muscovado sugar has fewer molasses than regular muscovado sugar. It has a golden-brown appearance that resembles brown sugar. As there are fewer molasses in light muscovado, the flavor is less treacly. However, it may still be used perfectly and adds a toffee-like flavor to any sweet recipe.
- Dark muscovado has the highest amount of molasses, making it deep brown and incredibly moist. It has a strong flavor and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowCan brown sugar be substituted with muscovado sugar and vice versa?
Brown sugar can be replaced with muscovado in most, if not all, applications. Muscovado sugar has a higher concentration of molasses, which is what distinguishes it from brown sugar.
- As a result, your food will have a deeper color and richer flavor. It could be necessary to mix a small amount of white sugar with muscovado sugar to achieve the desired color and consistency in situations where you just want a minor amount of molasses flavor and color or when you need your sugar to have less moisture.
- In many cases, brown sugar can be used in place of muscovado sugar although you might find that it lacks the molasses flavor and is too dry. You can get around this by adding extra molasses.
Is muscovado sugar good for you?
Unlike granulated sugar, muscovado sugar does not go through a centrifugation process.
- During manufacturing, nutrients including minerals, such as calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium, are not retained which are beneficial to your overall health.
- Muscovado retains some of the antioxidant qualities of molasses because it contains more molasses than many other varieties of sugar.
Antioxidants aid in preventing the cell damage brought on by free radicals. In the absence of repair, this harm can speed up aging and increase the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease.
Because muscovado is also a type of sugar, you must consume it in moderation to avoid any ill effects on your health.
What is the effect of sugars on health?
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can increase your risk of type II diabetes, becoming overweight, and dying from heart disease. Therefore, the American Heart Association encourages men to consume no more than 150 calories (nine teaspoons) of added sugar per day. Similarly, women should consume no more than 100 calories (six teaspoons) of added sugar per day.
You should be aware that this restriction applies to all added sugars, including sugars in packaged goods, such as flavored yogurt.
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