Is it reasonable to utilize coconut palm sugar?

1. What is coconut blossom sugar?

2. Properties of Sugar Derived from Coconut Palm

3. Application of coconut sugar

1. What is coconut blossom sugar?

Coconut blossom sugar is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the white version of this food product. The primary raw material for its production is sweet, white juice directly obtained from the blossoms of the coconut palm. After gathering the appropriate amount of liquid, the evaporation process begins, resulting in light brown syrup. This very product is transformed into the form of blocks, cubes, or crystals after thickening. The sugar itself, also known as coconut palm sugar, resembles cane sugar in appearance and flavor. The delicate caramel taste is further enriched with the distinct aroma of coconut, emphasizing its dessert nature. The main countries importing coconut blossom sugar are the Philippines and Indonesia.

2. Properties of Sugar Derived from Coconut Palm

The growing popularity of sugar derived from coconut palm is due to the fact that it can be perceived as a healthier alternative to white table sugar. Is coconut palm sugar really a good solution for people with diabetes and helps in maintaining a healthy weight? The answer to this question is not straightforward. Approximately 80% of coconut palm sugar consists of sucrose. The remaining components are fructose and glucose, the content of which depends on the age of the tree, environmental conditions, and the method of juice extraction. Taking into consideration the caloric value of both types of sugar, it can be assumed that they are very similar products. Table sugar contains 405 kcal per 100 grams, while coconut palm sugar - 381 kcal per 100 grams. The glycemic load is also similar. In the case of coconut palm sugar, it amounts to 54, while its competitor reaches a value of 68. A noticeable similarity between coconut palm sugar and white sugar can also be seen in the composition. It can be safely stated that the content of mineral components in coconut palm sugar is higher than in most sweeteners. However, the quantities are not high enough to significantly differ from the remaining sweeteners in terms of supplementation doses. This is a good argument for the fact that coconut palm sugar is simply a more natural and beneficial option for our digestive system.

3. Application of coconut sugar

If we opt for the purchase of coconut sugar, it is beneficial to know the best ways of applying it. Primarily, it should be emphasized that it is used as an ingredient for coffee, desserts, sweet sauces, baked goods, or omelettes. It often serves as a foundation for creating sweet and sour dishes in Thai cuisine. Due to its resemblance to regular sugar, we should use similar quantities of coconut sugar. Besides culinary applications, coconut sugar can also serve as an air freshener and fragrance agent.