Muscovado Sugar: What Is It?

Panela, Demerara, Muscovado, cane sugar … there are so many different whole sugars, but are they all the same? In today’s article, you can find interesting facts about muscovado sugar. Read on if this topic interests you.

Muscovado sugar (also called Muskovade) and Panela are among the least industrially processed sugars. Their slightly moist texture and intense taste make these varieties very popular. They also have a healthy reputation and therefore more and more conscious people are resorting to these sugars.

In today’s article, you’ll find eight interesting facts about muscovado sugar that you probably didn’t know about. Read on!

1. Muscovado sugar is related to brown cane sugar

There are different types of sugar that are made from sugar cane and that have certain similarities: raw sugar, white refined sugar, sugar cane juice or molasses (syrup) etc. They differ, however, in their texture, the size of the crystals, the consistency and the proportion of Sucrose. 

The  Food And Drug Administration  (FDA) differentiates between cane sugar and sugar cane syrup. The rest of the sugars (including muscovado sugar) all fall into the “other types of cane sugar with common names” category.

2. There are many types of whole sugar

The different types of whole sugar are all similar, but they also have specific properties. Demerara, Panela, Jaggery and other varieties are produced through extraction and evaporation on the basis of sugar cane. However, the different types of sugar contain a different proportion of molasses, which affects the texture and taste.

3. The production process goes through different phases

Muscovado sugar is a very pure, natural (unrefined) form of whole cane sugar that is slightly more humid than ordinary whole cane sugar. The manufacturing process takes time and no waste products are used. The following aspects are important during production:

• Manual manufacturing processes are often used to process the sugar cane juice. But industrial methods with spray dryers are also used.

• The sugar does not crystallize out and therefore retains more moisture.
• The color is dark brown and the taste is intense.

4. Muscovado sugar is made from cane sugar

There are two important raw materials that are used to make most types of sugar: sugar beet and cane sugar. Both plants are processed in the same way to make the final product.

5. Muscovado sugar can be recognized by its intense taste

Muscovado sugar tastes different from white refined sugar, honey, or other sugars. It is very intense because the molasses content is relatively high. Therefore it is reminiscent of liquorice or toffee with a slightly bitter taste. The texture is also different because it is a slightly moist sugar.

6. Muscovado sugar in the kitchen

You can replace white sugar with muscovado: in tea, coffee or yogurt. It is also suitable for cooking and baking. Because this sugar not only gives baked goods a special taste, but also a beautiful color. It is excellent for biscuits, cakes or puddings, but is also suitable for sauces and marinades for meat and salads.

Muscovado sugar, however, has different properties than refined white sugar, which you should take into account.  In the end, it gives the food a slightly fruity taste and a moist texture.

7. Nutritional composition compared to white refined sugar

While many believe that brown sugar is generally healthier than white sugar. But Moscovado has practically the same nutritional composition. Both provide around 4 calories per gram and are made up of 100% carbohydrates.

However, Muscovado still contains some of the sugar cane juice and therefore also traces of minerals such as magnesium, potassium or calcium. However, these are so low that this type of sugar cannot be regarded as a supplier of these micronutrients. Far better and healthier sources are vegetables, dried fruits or whole grains.

Even if this sugar has not been refined,  you should not exceed the daily amount of 25 g for these reasons, because: Sugar remains sugar.

8. Increasingly popular

There is a trend towards a healthy and sustainable diet. Young people in particular  are aware of the importance of a balanced diet and the preservation of the environment  and are therefore looking for alternatives that should be as regional and unrefined as possible in order to reduce the impact on the environment.

This is why the demand for unrefined cane sugar is growing. And as you now know, moscovado sugar also falls into this category. The main producers today are India, Colombia and Pakistan.

Of course, but still sugar!

Unlike white sugar, moscovado is natural and not refined. It contains molasses that makes it sticky and moist. That is why it also provides various minerals and phytonutrients and is characterized by a special taste and characteristic texture.

Even if moscovado sugar is worthwhile, you should use it sparingly,  because it is sugar that, like refined sugar, could cause health problems. Therefore, stick to the recommended daily amount and use it consciously.