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Farm Kitchen:  Raw or White  |
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Londa
Farmgirl in Training
21 Posts
Londa
Savona
NY
USA
21 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 4:21:59 PM
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Would someone be able to explain to me the differenct between raw sugar and white sugar? I use raw, because someone told me it was better. Is this true? I get mine at Wegmans (grocery store here) and the box says it is from Hawaii.
Your opinions appreciated
Blessings.
Londa |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 4:40:13 PM
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Sweeteners? Turbinado? Raw Sugar? Brown Sugar? Sucanat?
I have had people ask me questions involving these different sugars. Is raw sugar a good sugar substitute? What is the difference between sucanat and turbinado? Is brown sugar better than white sugar?
Let’s start with white sugar; it is highly refined cane juice. All nutrients have been removed and chemicals have been added during the different stages of the refining process.
Next, brown sugar is the same refined white sugar with molasses added to it. I believe it tastes better but is not better for you than white sugar.
Now turbinado sugar and raw sugar is the same thing. It is not really raw; it is just less refined than white sugar. It does have a small amount of nutrients left in it. It has been said to metabolize the same as white sugar making it NOT a good substitute if you are diabetic, watching your weight, improving your health, or not wanting your kids to get a sugar rush. It is better than white if you are looking for something that is closer to its natural state. I don’t personally use it.
Finally, sucanat is unrefined cane sugar. It is processed less than turbinado and a lot less than white sugar. It has more nutrients than turbinado. The natural molasses is still intact, and makes an excellent substitute for brown sugar. It does metabolize slower than white sugar but not enough to make it safe for diabetics or people that have to watch their blood sugar levels including kids prone to getting hyper and losing concentration. It is definitely a better choose than white sugar if you are wanting to eat more natural and improve your health, but remember it is still sugar so it should be used in moderation. I use this occasionally, and I have been able to use it to replace white sugar as while as brown sugar.
I use honey and pure maple syrup in recipes whenever I can. My kids due better with these sweeteners, so that leads me to believe that they metabolize slower than sucanat, and definitely slower than white sugar.
A completely safe (even for diabetics) natural alternative to white sugar is stevia, but that will be in a different article. I use stevia regularly.
I hope this clears up the possible confusion. Michelle
http://askmichelleabouthealth.blogspot.com/2008/04/sweeteners-turbinado-raw-sugar-brown.html
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
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urban farm girl
True Blue Farmgirl
80 Posts
Melissa
Posen
IL
USA
80 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 6:32:16 PM
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| I agree with Rene' very good Alee... I also use stevia. |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 7:02:56 PM
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All I use is sucanot for baking and coffee. Although I tried using it to make jelly last year. It does not work. It did not gel or thicken. More like a syrup. So had to use white sugar. But I am so used to suc. thai I cannot use white for other things.
That is a good explanation. Thanks.
Kris
Life is what you make it. Always has been. Always will be. |
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antoinette
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Toni
East Freedom
PA
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 7:58:25 PM
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| Thanks Alee for the info, is there a ratio for changing the sugar in recipes for honey? Have you ever made jelly using honey instead of sugar? Say I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies which call for 3/4 cup of white and brown sugar what amount of honey would I use? Any info would be appreciated. Toni |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2009 : 8:11:29 PM
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When substituting honey for sugar in a recipe, simply substitute honey cup for cup in place of sugar. As a rule reduce the liquid by a ¼ cup for every cup of honey used. In baked goods add ½ tsp. of baking soda for every cup of honey used and reduce oven tempeture 25 degrees than instructions call for. In cookie recipes using eggs and no additional liquid, increase the flour by 2 tablespoons per cup of honey or enough flour to give the desired consistency. Chill before shaping and baking.
Helpful Hint: Honey can be measured easily by using the same cup used for measuring the oil in a recipe or by coating a cup or spoon with non-stick vegetable spray. Baked goods with honey brown faster and crisp faster than sugar batter.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Londa
Farmgirl in Training
21 Posts
Londa
Savona
NY
USA
21 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 11:26:00 AM
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THanks so much for that great explanation! I think I'll look for some STEVA. Its pretty expensive, though isn't it. Also, I printed off the ratio for honey. What a great help!
Blessings!
Love, Londa |
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antoinette
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Toni
East Freedom
PA
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2009 : 7:31:57 PM
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| Thank you Alee, you are a fountain of information, how do remember it all? |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
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Tammyb
True Blue Farmgirl
511 Posts
Tammy
Bluffton
Ohio
USA
511 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2009 : 05:43:39 AM
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I agree with Alee, but I would add Agave syrup. My hubby likes this pretty well.
Tammyb 541 |
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Farm Kitchen: Raw or White |
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Raw or White
