Demerara Sugar

Description

Most of us think we know what sugar is and this will likely bring to mind white refined sugar which is the most prevalent type found at home and in grocery stores, bakeries and commercial kitchens. Refined white sugar is typically made from either sugarcane or sugar beets. Once harvested they’re then sufficiently refined and made into the granular white sugar we all know so well.

But sugar isn’t just sweet. Raw sugars like Demerara, Muscovado and Turbinado have deep flavor complexities and distinctive aromas that will completely change your perceptions of sugar. The popularity of Demerara has been rising over the years first in Europe and more recently in our country.

Demerara sugar, pronounced “Dem-err-rare-a”, is a harder to find exotic sugar named after the Demerara River in Guyana. Today Demerara sugar is primarily sourced from Hawaii, India, Mexico and Mauritius (an island nation located southeast of the African continent).

Demerara Sugar is Not Brown Sugar

Some have mistakenly described Demerara sugar as brown sugar. That would be incorrect. Brown sugar is actually just refined white sugar that is lightly bathed in a bit of molasses. Demerara sugar comes from the first crystallization which occurs as the cane juice is processed into sugar crystals (this is a similar process to naturally evaporating cane juice).

Demerara has a natural caramel-like flavor that hasn’t been processed out while brown sugar, after processing, has had molasses flavor (and color) added back in.

Is it Considered a Raw Sugar?

Yes. Raw sugar comes from the first stage of the cane sugar refining process. Basically the sugar at this point is right before the molasses is removed. Popular types of raw sugar include Demerara sugar, Muscovado sugar (also called Barbados sugar) and Turbinado sugar. Muscovado sugar is a fine textured, moist sugar. Turbinado sugar comes from the sugar crystals being spun in a turbine to dry them which leaves a coarse molasses rich granule that’s golden to light brown in color.

Is Demerara Sugar Healthier?

Some claim that Demerara, Turbinado and other raw sugars have more nutritional value because much of the mineral content hasn’t been removed during the refining process. Sugar no matter how refined should never be considered a healthy food or ingredient. Instead we take the view that Demerara sugar is far more flavorful than your mother’s milled white sugar.

How to Use

Demerara Sugar adds unexpected flavor complexity and we use it in coffee, cakes, cookies and as a topping for crème brulee, French toast, muffins, oatmeal and scones. We also like to use it to caramelize grilled fruit like apricots, bananas, figs and peaches. For a savory application add it to grilled tomatoes. One of our favorite recipes using Demerara Sugar is Jalapeno Cornbread.

Flavor Profile

With a fairly large grain and a pale amber color Demerara Sugar is somewhat crunchy with a subtle molasses flavor and caramel undertones.

Helpful Hints

If you’re a fan of sweets then you may also want to try out our Vermont Maple Sugar, Granulated Honey and Granulated Molasses.

We have been asked by many of our wholesale customers to sell Bulk Brown Sugar, so it is now available on our site.

Related Blog Posts

The 66 Best Seasonings & Spices for Chicken
How to Make the Perfect BBQ Sauce
Exotic Spices
Smart Sugar & Salt Substitutes