John Myers
Sugar has fallen into disrepute and is not only considered unhealthy for diabetics. But how can food be sweetened as an alternative? Coconut blossom sugar, for example, is an option. We clarify what that is exactly and whether the food is suitable as a sugar substitute.
Suitable sweetener? coconut blossom sugar
The bad reputation of table sugar has led to more and more alternative sweeteners appearing on supermarket shelves in recent years. One of them is coconut blossom sugar, which, like table sugar, is a double and not a single sugar. To make it, nectar is obtained from the blossoms of the coconut palm, boiled down into a syrup, and the crystallized mass ground up. The result is brown granules that have the same sweetening power as cane sugar. For recipes with sugar alternatives, a 1:1 dosage always applies if coconut blossom sugar is used as a sugar substitute. As far as the nutritional values are concerned, coconut blossom sugar does not differ significantly from conventional beet sugar, neither in terms of calorie content nor in its composition. Its low glycemic index is often advertised, which means that palm sugar causes blood sugar to rise more slowly and is therefore better. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence for this, emphasizes the consumer center. Other health claims are also not permitted for palm sugar under food law.
Disadvantages of coconut blossom sugar
Coconut blossom sugar should also be viewed critically in terms of sustainability. The production process is comparatively natural, but transporting it from overseas has a far greater impact on the CO2 balance than table sugar, which consists of domestic sugar beets. Finally, when it comes to possible uses, palm sugar performs worse than sugar and other sweeteners. The caramel-like taste of coconut blossom sugar, for example, limits its use. The inherent aroma is noticeable in chocolate, for example, and is not for everyone. Cakes, pastries, and desserts, on the other hand, can be elicited new flavor nuances with the sweetener as an ingredient.
This is how palm sugar can be used in the kitchen
If you bake with coconut blossom sugar, the caramel note can make for delicious creations like our banana cake. Since the sweetener dissolves less well than sugar, it is important to stir the dough well to avoid lumps forming. Baked goods and desserts work best if the palm sugar is stirred up until it is foamy. For example, try our tiramisu recipe with the alternative sweetener. Coconut blossom sugar is also worth trying as a sprinkle sweetener for sour fruit, in coffee, and to sweeten quark and yoghurt. A drop of bitterness is the high price, which is many times higher than that of table sugar. A kilogram is usually not available for less than ten euros.
