Rock sugar and powdered sugar are both ingredients that provide sweetness for drinks and cooking. They may seem similar, but they actually differ in their characteristics, uses, and preferred choices.
1 What is Rock Sugar?
Rock sugar, also known as rock candy, has the scientific name Saccharose and is made from sugarcane, sugar beets, etc. It is produced by boiling sugar syrup and then adding ingredients such as eggs, water, and lime to reduce its sweetness. After cooking until almost dry, it is poured into a barrel and left to crystallize naturally for 10-12 days.
Rock sugar is commonly used in cooking and mixing with a mild sweetness that does not overpower other flavors. It is also highly refined, so it does not leave any residue when cooked, unlike other types of sugar such as sugarcane or palm sugar.
2 Benefits of Rock Sugar
Cooking and Mixing
Rock sugar is used in various dishes, baked goods, and desserts to create a mild sweetness. It enhances the flavor of the food and helps to cool and benefit the health.
When used in drink mixes, rock sugar enhances the flavor without overpowering the drink’s unique taste and aroma.
Treating Cough in Children
According to traditional folk knowledge, rock sugar combined with lemon or calamansi helps soothe a sore throat, cleanses the mouth and throat, and reduces cough symptoms in children.
In addition to lemon and calamansi, rock sugar can also be simmered with chrysanthemum to help lower blood pressure and relieve colds effectively.
Rock sugar is also used to enhance the flavor of drinks such as chrysanthemum tea, jasmine tea, and fabric softener.
Kidney Tonic
According to Eastern medicine, rock sugar simmered with bean root helps improve sexual health effectively.
3 Differences Between Rock Sugar and Powdered Sugar
Manufacturing Process
Powdered sugar is made by boiling and dissolving granulated sugar in water and then adding betel lime to harden the sugar. When it boils, an egg is added to filter out impurities. It is then removed and allowed to cool.
Rock sugar, on the other hand, is made from 100% sugarcane, using activated carbon technology to remove color.
Composition
Rock sugar contains many minerals beneficial to health, such as Saccharose, and some trace elements.
Powdered sugar contains vitamins such as B1, B6, and B2 and trace elements like Calcium, Phosphorus, organic acids, and Iron.
Sweetness
Powdered sugar has a deep, rich sweetness, while rock sugar has a lighter, more delicate sweetness that is very pleasant.
Solubility
Powdered sugar is fine and easily soluble, while rock sugar tends to form lumps and is more difficult to dissolve.
Uses
Rock sugar is commonly used in the beverage industry for mixing drinks and as a common seasoning in daily cooking, such as in desserts, candies, and baked goods.
It is also used in combination with other ingredients to make medicines for conditions such as low blood pressure, digestive stimulation, cough, and colds.
Powdered sugar is found in most Vietnamese kitchens and is used for baking, making ice cream, or preparing other dishes. It can also be used to treat acute conditions like hypoglycemia or random stomach aches. Additionally, sugar syrup can be used to preserve and maintain the color of fuels.
4 Which is Better: Rock Sugar or Powdered Sugar?
Both types of sugar are beneficial to health, but since their uses differ, you can choose the most suitable type according to your purpose.
Powdered sugar can be used as a daily cooking ingredient, and sugar syrup can treat hypoglycemia. Additionally, putting a small amount of sugar in a vase can help flowers stay fresh longer.
Rock sugar, on the other hand, is refined from powdered sugar and has fewer impurities, so it is less sweet and has a cooler, more refreshing taste. Rock sugar is often handmade but very clean and pure, resulting in clear and beautiful crystals. Therefore, if you are making desserts, drinks, or herbal drinks during the summer, using rock sugar is a healthier choice.
Additionally, if you have been coughing for several days or feel overheated, you can effectively treat these conditions with some remedies made from rock sugar.
5 How to Use Rock Sugar
Rock sugar can be used to mix drinks such as coffee, lemonade, orange juice, aloe vera juice, fruit juice, soft drinks, and herbal drinks, giving them a natural and unique flavor.
It can also be used as a seasoning in cooking: for making desserts, seasoning dishes such as pho, hu tieu, mi, lau, etc. Rock sugar is also used as an ingredient in producing soy sauce, fish sauce, dipping sauces, and seasoning powders to reduce saltiness and increase sweetness.
6 Can Pregnant Women Eat Rock Sugar?
Rock sugar has a cooling effect, a mild sweetness, and a high sugar content. Therefore, pregnant women should not consume rock sugar regularly. Like powdered sugar, excessive consumption of rock sugar during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes.
However, pregnant women can still consume rock sugar in small amounts in combination with other nutritious foods as a health tonic, such as bird’s nest with rock sugar, under medical supervision and with regular consultations with their doctor throughout their pregnancy.
7 Harmful Effects of Rock Sugar
Like powdered sugar, excessive consumption of rock sugar can increase the risk of dangerous diseases such as fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes.
Therefore, when using rock sugar, it is essential to be cautious and consume it in moderation: no more than 37.5g (9 teaspoons) for men and 25g (6 teaspoons) for women per day.
Although rock sugar has many health benefits, excessive consumption can increase the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. Moreover, for diabetic patients, the harmful effects of rock sugar are similar to those of powdered sugar. There is no scientific research proving that rock sugar is beneficial for people with diabetes. Therefore, the best approach is for diabetic patients to avoid consuming excessive amounts of rock sugar.
In conclusion, both rock sugar and powdered sugar have health benefits, and you can choose the most suitable type according to your purpose. However, be mindful not to consume too much sugar, as it can have adverse effects on your health and your family’s well-being.
Exploring the Benefits of Chia Seeds on Good Health: What You Need to Know
Did you know that chia seeds come from the same family as herbs that are used in spices such as mint and basil? These seeds are a popular health food due to their unique health benefits. Read on to find out how these seeds can be used and why they're so beneficial!
Exploring the Benefits of Negative Ion Technology for Businesses
Are you curious about the awesome power of negative ion technology? Find out how it works and how it can improve your life with Dien May XANH’s in-depth exploration of this innovative technology!
Understanding the Uses and Benefits of Essential Oils
What are the therapeutic properties of essential oils? How can they be used to improve your wellbeing? This article will explore the various types of essential oils, their benefits and uses. Uncover the power of these natural remedies and find out how they can help your own health and wellness!
Tips for Selecting Sweet, Unsprayed Star Gourds
Discover the secrets of selecting sweet and flavorful star gourds with this informative article! Gourds are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal, so find out how to find the best of the best with the tips provided.
7 Remedies from Cana Fruit – Find Out What Cana Is and Its Uses
Dive into the valuable health benefits and unexpected uses of Ca na with Dien May XANH! This small, sour fruit from the West has become a favorite among many people despite its minimal economic value. Discover the hidden gems of Ca na today!
