Barbados sugars are unrefined cane sugars derived from the evaporation and crystallisation of sugar cane juice. You get a sugar crystal with a deep hue, a sticky texture, and a lot of molasses already in it. The muscovado sugar has a gritty, granular feel, unlike wet sand, and its abrasive nature makes for a satisfying crunch. Although its appearance resembles brown sugar, its manufacturing procedure is somewhat different. When we think of sugar, the fine white crystals most of us picture are granulated sugar, which has been treated to remove the molasses. After the sugar is refined, molasses is reintroduced to make light and dark brown sugars. Due to this multi-step process, brown sugar is just as sweet as muscovado sugar, although with a less robust flavour.
Is it OK to use Barbados sugar?
- Minerals. However, unlike granulated sugar, Barbados sugar is not refined in a centrifugal process. During the production process, nutrients and trace minerals like calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium are kept in the food.
- Antioxidants. Muscovado retains some of the antioxidant benefits of molasses since it contains more molasses than many other forms of sugar. It is the free radicals that cause cell damage, and antioxidants assist in counteracting that. Otherwise, the damage can speed up the ageing process or cause diseases like heart disease.
- Included sugar. Barbados sugar has some good health benefits, like minerals and antioxidants, but it is still added sugar and should be avoided. Compared to the natural sugar found in fruits, which also contain fibre and minerals, they are more easily absorbed by the body.
- When you eat foods with added sugars regularly, your blood sugar level rises and falls rapidly. If you do this, you’ll develop insulin resistance and put your health in danger in many ways.
- According to the American Heart Association, men and women should limit their daily added sugar intake to no more than 150 calories (9 tablespoons).
- Sugar content varies by kind of soda; however, a 12-ounce serving of cola contains 1014 teaspoons, and a 12-ounce serving of orange soda has 13 teaspoons.
- Even while Barbados sugar has a few more nutrients than regular table sugar, it’s still sugar. Overeating sugar makes you more likely to get obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Implementing Barbados sugar
- Spice up your meat, lamb, and vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers by adding a pinch or two of Barbados to your dry rub or wet marinade. Light or dark Barbados and some dried spices, vinegar, and oil may make a delicious sauce.
- Sauces for Dipping
Benefit from this sweetener’s earthy qualities by incorporating it into a fruit and yoghurt dip or using it to impart a smokey sweetness to your go-to hummus dish.
- Dishes are used to dress salads.
The flavour of balsamic vinaigrette may be amplified by blending two parts of olive oil with one part of balsamic vinegar, plus chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adding a few tablespoons of Barbados and storing it in the fridge for up to a week is as easy as whisking.
- Reduce the calorie count of your newly popped kernels by adding a few drops of kettle corn flavouring. Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of Barbados into melted salted butter and drizzle it into overheated popcorn.
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Put some plain Greek yoghurt in a container with a wide mouth, then add some fresh seasonal fruit and chopped almonds. Sprinkle some Barbados sugar on the finished parfait.
- Espresso & Chai
Whether you prefer almond milk lattes, black coffee, or Chai tea, sweetening your favourite hot drink with Barbados is a great idea. Due to its intense flavour, you may get away with using less of it, which is excellent for those watching their calorie intake.
