Brown sugar is a naturally occurring sugar made by boiling down the juice of sugarcane. The raw material is 100% sugarcane grown in Okinawa and other regions. The manufacturing process does not involve any refining and is characterized by its rich mineral and nutrient content. With the rise in health consciousness, it is attracting attention for its beauty, diet, and recovery from fatigue. This article provides a beginner's guide to brown sugar, explaining its raw materials, manufacturing process, nutritional value, and health benefits.
What is brown sugar? Meaning and Origin of the Name
Brown sugar is a naturally occurring sweetener made by heating, concentrating, and solidifying the juice of sugarcane. The name "black" comes from its color, which is dark brown to black due to the unrefined molasses residue. It is also called "brown sugar" in the old days, and has been traditionally produced in Okinawa and Kagoshima.
Ingredients are 100% sugarcane
The raw material for brown sugar is the "sugarcane" itself, which grows in the tropics. Okinawa Prefecture boasts the overwhelming production of domestically produced brown sugar, which is mainly grown in the Yaeyama Islands, Miyako Island, and Iejima Island. Unlike foreign brown sugar, domestic brown sugar contains no additives and is highly regarded as a highly pure natural sweetener.
The process is non-refining. Simply boil and harden.
Brown sugar is made by pressing sugarcane juice, slowly boiling it in a large pot, and cooling and solidifying it when the sugar content is concentrated. The sugar is not decolorized, crystallized, or otherwise refined as in the case of ordinary white sugar, so the minerals and other nutrients remain intact. This simple manufacturing process is what gives brown sugar its natural, deep flavor.
What is the difference from white sugar and tri-temperate sugar?
| type | Refined or not | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| brown cane sugar | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Rich in minerals, strong in flavor |
| white sugar | ant | High purity, near tasteless |
| dark sweet liquid produced after the third heating in a thermal sugar-refining process | Yes (reheating) | Savory flavor, light brown in color |
Brown sugar is the most natural form of these sugars and has a "richness" and "flavor" not found in other sugars. It is also the most nutritionally superior, making it an easy choice for health-conscious people.
Major nutrients in brown sugar and their functions
Brown sugar is rich in the following minerals
Calcium: essential for bone and tooth formation
Iron: effective in preventing and improving anemia
Magnesium: Maintains normal nerve function
Vitamin B group: Contributes to recovery from fatigue and promotion of metabolism
Effects on health, beauty and diet
Brown sugar is a low-GI food with a milder rise in blood sugar than white sugar and is an excellent source of energy. It is also attracting attention as a beauty and menstrual remedy because it can supplement iron and calcium, which are often lacking in women. Furthermore, it contains ingredients that help improve the quality of daily life, such as reducing stress and preventing muscle cramps.
How to Select and Store Brown Sugar
How to choose:It is best to choose a product labeled "100% sugarcane" with no "raw sugar" or "molasses" in the ingredients column.
Storage Method:Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and high temperatures and humidity. Can be stored at room temperature, but storage in the refrigerator is also effective in preserving quality.
Proper intake and precautions for brown sugar
While brown sugar has many health benefits, it is naturally still a "sugar"; the recommended daily intake for an adult is about 25 g. Excessive intake can lead to obesity and a spike in blood sugar levels. It is recommended to use it as a sweetener in tea and coffee.
Conclusion.
Brown sugar is a non-refined, natural sweetener made from 100% sugarcane, and is distinct from other sugars in terms of its manufacturing process and nutrients. Brown sugar, mainly from Okinawa, contains high levels of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron, making it an ideal sweetener for modern people who are conscious of their health and beauty. It is precisely for those who wish to combine sweetness and health that we would like you to have the correct knowledge of brown sugar and how to consume it.
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