Putting nature back in natural sugar

25 May 2015

With the launch of Natura Sugars in South Africa, consumers can rediscover the true taste of sugar. The range is unrefined and unprocessed and made from lush ripe canes cultivated on the tropical island of Mauritius, which is free from genetic modification and can be linked to fair-trade farming.

The process is simple. Sugarcane stalks are washed and crushed to extract cane juice, which is clarified to remove any suspended solids. The resulting clear juice is evaporated into thick syrup, which is crystallised and separated, creating a range of special sugars with varying textures, in a spectrum of natural colours thanks to varying amounts of molasses left behind around the crystals. The sugars are crafted to lock in, rather than refine out, the natural molasses of sugarcane.

The sugars are sold in 500g packages and each packet conveniently communicates the strength and consistency of the sugar, how best to use it and a perfectly suited recipe.

Benefits

Some benefits and attributes of natural, unrefined sugars:

Natural, unrefined sugars contain molasses within and around the sucrose crystals and therefore contain salts and minerals like Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Calcium. Instead of short-term spikes that leave you wanting more, the natural salts present balance the sweetness and the trace minerals retained in unrefined sugar help the body control and balance blood sugar levels.
No additive is used to colour, sweeten or to preserve unrefined sugar as sugar's intrinsic properties have been carefully preserved. Natural, unrefined sugars are therefore free from colorants, preservatives or additives.
Opting for the Muscovados, especially the Dark Muscovado with high molasses content around the crystals is a preferred choice to satisfy one's sweet tooth and take advantage of the benefits of molasses.
1. Molasses has been shown through studies to modulate and enhance the immune system.
2. Molasses helps the production of sex hormones. It has been suggested that introducing molasses to your diet can improve sexual performance and reproductive health in males by boosting testosterone levels.
3. A study has shown that molasses can help maintain body weight by blocking calorie absorption.
4. The iron found in the molasses is beneficial to women during their menstrual cycles, when blood-loss makes them vulnerable to iron deficiency.
Natura Sugars are available in selected Spar and Shoprite Checkers nationwide with a RSP of R30-R38 for the 500g packets and around R22 for a 250g packet of Demerara Icing Sugar.
For more information, go to www.naturasugars.co.za