What is Rock Sugar? Should You Choose Between Granulated and Rock Sugar?

Introducing two familiar ingredients in the kitchen - rock sugar and granulated sugar. But which one should you be using and why? It's time to uncover the secrets and discover which sugar will take your cooking and baking to the next level.

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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.

1What 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.

2Benefits 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.

3Differences 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.

4Which 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.

6Can 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.

7Harmful 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.

Frequently asked questions

Rock sugar, also known as rock candy or sugar crystals, is a type of sugar that forms large crystals. It is made from sugar and water, heated and cooled to form crystals.

The main difference is in their form and texture. Granulated sugar is a standard sugar with a fine, sandy texture, while rock sugar is in the form of large, hard crystals. Rock sugar also tends to be less processed and has a slightly higher molasses content, giving it a deeper flavor.

Both types of sugar have the same level of sweetness. However, due to its larger crystal size, rock sugar may seem less sweet as it disperses more slowly in liquids.

Rock sugar is less processed and often contains trace minerals from the sugar cane. It also has a longer shelf life compared to granulated sugar due to its low moisture content. Additionally, the unique crystal structure of rock sugar makes it ideal for certain culinary applications, such as sweetening cocktails, tea, and coffee, or as a decorative topping for desserts.

Yes, you can use rock sugar as a substitute for granulated sugar in most recipes. However, due to the difference in crystal size and texture, you may need to adjust the quantities and cooking/baking times slightly.

You can find rock sugar in most Asian grocery stores, specialty food stores, or online. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and herbal teas.
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