What is Sucanat?
Sucanat, short for “sugar cane natural,” is an unrefined sugar made by dehydrating freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. It stands apart from traditional refined sugars because it retains a rich, molasses-like flavor and many of the natural minerals found in sugarcane, such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Unlike white sugar or even some brown sugars, which are heavily processed and stripped of nutrients, Sucanat offers a more wholesome alternative for those seeking natural sweeteners.
Having said that, Sucanat has the same number of calories as table sugar, honey and maple syrup.
How is Sucanat Processed?
Sucanat is prized for its minimal processing, which allows it to retain the inherent qualities of sugarcane. Here’s a look at how it’s made:
1. Harvesting and Crushing the Cane
The process begins with harvesting sugarcane, which is usually done by hand or machine in tropical and subtropical regions where the crop thrives. Once the sugarcane is harvested, it’s cleaned and crushed to extract the fresh juice from the fibrous stalks. This juice is rich in natural sugars and other nutrients.
2. Boiling the Sugarcane Juice
After extraction, the sugarcane juice is boiled to evaporate water, concentrating the sugar and nutrients. During this stage, the natural molasses in the juice becomes more prominent, giving Sucanat its characteristic deep, caramel-like flavor. Unlike refined sugar, the juice is not filtered to remove molasses, which means all the natural minerals remain intact.
3. Dehydration
The concentrated sugarcane juice is then dehydrated using a special drying process. As the moisture is removed, the sugar crystallizes into small, irregular granules. This step is crucial as it helps retain the molasses content in the crystals, which is a defining feature of Sucanat.
4. Drying and Granulation
Once the dehydration is complete, the sugar forms coarse granules that are golden-brown in color. These granules are much coarser and less uniform than traditional refined sugar, but they dissolve easily in liquids and can be used in baking, beverages, and other culinary applications. The resulting product is unrefined sugar with a high molasses content, maintaining a balance of sweet and earthy flavors.
Sucanat vs. Other Sugars
Sucanat is often compared to other types of sugar like raw sugar, turbinado, or brown sugar, but there are distinct differences in processing and nutritional content:
- White Sugar: The most processed form of sugar. All the molasses and nutrients are removed during the refining process, leaving pure sucrose.
- Brown Sugar: Often white sugar with molasses added back in. While it has a richer flavor than white sugar, it’s still processed.
- Turbinado Sugar: A partially refined sugar where some molasses is removed but still retains some nutrients and flavor.
- Raw Sugar: Similar to turbinado, but less refined. However, it doesn’t retain as many nutrients as Sucanat since the molasses content is still reduced.
Sucanat is considered a more “whole” form of sugar compared to these alternatives because it undergoes minimal processing and retains a significant portion of its natural molasses content.
Nutritional Benefits of Sucanat
While Sucanat is still sugar and should be consumed in moderation, it does offer more nutritional benefits compared to highly processed alternatives. The molasses content in Sucanat means that it contains small amounts of essential minerals, including:
- Iron: Helps transport oxygen in the blood and supports immune function.
- Calcium: Important for bone health and cellular functions.
- Potassium: Aids in muscle function and heart health.
- Magnesium: Supports nerve and muscle function and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Because of its less processed nature, Sucanat has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes less of a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a preferred option for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels or avoid processed sugars.
How to Use Sucanat
Sucanat can be used as a one-to-one substitute for white or brown sugar in most recipes. Its rich, caramel-like flavor makes it a fantastic choice for baked goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins. It also works well in beverages, sauces, and marinades, adding a depth of flavor that refined sugars can’t offer.
Since Sucanat has a stronger flavor than white sugar, it may slightly alter the taste of delicate recipes, so it’s best used in recipes that complement or can handle its molasses notes.
Conclusion
Sucanat stands out as a natural, minimally processed sugar that retains many of the nutrients and flavors of raw sugarcane. Whether you’re seeking a healthier sugar option or simply want to enjoy the unique taste of unrefined sugar, Sucanat is a versatile ingredient that offers both flavor and nutritional benefits.