Is Raw Sugar Really a Raw Deal?

That is a question that I have been asked several times. Should you have to pay more for this so called raw sugar? Maybe you should if you prefer the taste and texture but please do not buy that hype that suggests that it is more nutritious and wholesome than your plain old table sugar.

Have you ever heard of turbinado sugar? Well I did not either until I researched raw sugar and found that most of the raw sugar that is sold is turbninado sugar meaning it is partially refined in turbines or centrifuges. Now you know what I know and you did not have to do any research. While common white sugar crystals are stripped of their molasses during the processing, this turbinado sugar retains some of the syrup, thus it is yellow gold or tan in color. There are similar sweeteners such as demerara and muscovado sugars. These sugars are really not very healthful.

Now these sugars have a unique taste and unique cooking qualities. They are scarcely more healthful than any other sweeteners. Because unlike your table sugar they do contain minerals, there is really only a trace. As the turbinado and other related sugars provide about 15 calories per teaspoon, they do not offer an edge to you dieters as they are just like your table sugars.

Now using the term raw to any sugar that is sold to you consumers in this U.S. is certainly misleading. Strictly speaking, raw sugar is really the term used for the tan or brown granules that are produced when the mills process your sugar cane stalks. It is then processed to create your table sugar and other forms of your sweeteners.

Guys you can not buy true raw sugar, as the FDA has declared it unfit for human consumption. And I am sure that you would not really want to as it contains yeast, mold, bacteria, dirt, and bug parts (have I said enough?). It is truly undesirable stuff this real raw sugar. And as always you must eat well to be well.