Sugar comes in many different forms, each with its own unique flavor, characteristics, and uses. Read on to learn more about the various types of sugar and how they can be used to enhance your cooking and baking.
1. White Granulated Sugar
Also known as table sugar, this is the most common type of sugar and is highly refined. It has undergone a color removal process, resulting in a loss of nutrients. White sugar is primarily used as a seasoning in cooking and as an ingredient in beverages. It comes in various forms, including powdered sugar, sugar cubes, and granulated sugar.
Uses: Seasoning for dishes, ingredient in beverages, and baking.
How to Use: Add to marinated dishes after adding salty seasonings such as fish sauce. Use in beverages before adding ice. Not suitable for people with blood sugar-related conditions.
2. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is similar to white granulated sugar but has a dark or light brown color due to the addition of molasses during the extraction process. It is primarily used in baking and cooking.
Uses:
Brown sugar contains glycolic acid, which has exfoliating, anti-aging, and acne-fighting properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare routines.
It is also a low-calorie sweetener, making it suitable for those watching their weight.
In baking, brown sugar adds moisture, a deeper sweetness, and a golden color to baked goods.
How to Use:
Brown sugar can be combined with natural ingredients to create face masks and exfoliants.
It is perfect for baking, giving your treats a beautiful color and a rich, sweet flavor.
Brown sugar can also be used as a seasoning in everyday dishes.
3. Golden Sugar
Golden sugar is similar to brown sugar but contains more molasses and no refined syrup. It has a higher nutrient content than brown sugar.
Its uses and applications are the same as those of brown sugar.
4. Raw Cane Sugar
Raw cane sugar is made directly from natural sugarcane and is unrefined. It is produced by continuously boiling sugarcane juice until it becomes concentrated and then pouring it into molds. This type of sugar has a longer structure, which means it is digested more slowly, providing sustained energy without harming the body.
Uses: Energy source, sweetener.
How to Use: Raw cane sugar comes in blocks or a thick syrup form, which is easy to store and cost-effective. Its mild sweetness is perfect for desserts like pudding and jelly. Break the sugar into small pieces before use. It can also be melted and used as a coloring and flavoring agent for meat and fish dishes.
5. Rock Sugar
Rock sugar is made by cooking and refining white sugar, resulting in a clear, crystalline form. It has a sweet aftertaste and is used as a seasoning in cooking, especially for steamed, braised, or boiled dishes. It is also an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
How to Use: Add at the beginning of cooking, along with other ingredients, without the need for marinating.
Combine with ginger and dried dates for a soothing ginger tea, or steam with citrus fruits to relieve coughs. You can also make a refreshing drink by adding rock sugar to lemon juice.
6. Stevia Sugar
Derived from the Stevia plant, this sugar does not increase blood sugar levels and offers various benefits. It is heat-sensitive, so it should be added after cooking or to cold or warm beverages.
Uses: Sweetener for dishes and beverages suitable for diabetics and those on diets.
7. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is made from cooked coconut meat with the water removed. It has a similar taste and color to brown sugar but also offers nutritional benefits.
Uses: Source of Vitamin C and minerals such as Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and Copper. It is low in calories and does not contribute to fat accumulation, making it suitable for weight loss diets.
How to Use: Coconut sugar can replace regular white sugar in recipes, but as it is sweeter, you may need to reduce the amount used.
We hope that this article has helped you understand the various types of sugar commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine and how to use them to enhance your cooking and baking creations.