What is turbanado sugar?

Turbinado sugar, also called raw cane sugar, is a minimally processed sucrose product made from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Unlike regular granulated sugar with refined sucrose, turbinado sugar contains molasses and other natural impurities. It gets its name from the sugar-processing step known as "turbining," which involves rapidly spinning conical machines to remove residual moisture from the sugar crystals, resulting in a coarse, moist texture.

Here are the key characteristics of turbinado sugar:

1. Minimally Processed: Turbinado sugar undergoes less refining compared to white sugar. It is processed by crushing sugarcane stalks, extracting the juice, and concentrating it through heating. The raw juice is then centrifuged, and the resulting crystals are spun in turbines to remove excess moisture.

2. Molasses Content: Turbinado sugar retains some of the natural molasses present in sugarcane. This gives it a slightly golden brown color, a slight molasses flavor, and a slightly higher mineral content compared to refined white sugar.

3. Larger Crystals: Turbinado sugar crystals are coarser and larger in size than regular granulated sugar. The crystals have an irregular shape and are often referred to as "raw sugar."

4. Moist Texture: Due to the residual molasses, turbinado sugar has a slightly damp or moist texture compared to refined sugar.

5. Slightly Sweet: Turbinado sugar tends to have a less sweet taste compared to highly refined white sugar. This is because it contains some impurities, including trace amounts of minerals, that can slightly alter its sweetness profile.

6. Unrefined: Turbinado sugar is often marketed as "unrefined," "raw," or "natural." However, it undergoes some processing to remove impurities and water content. The term "unrefined" is used in a relative sense, comparing it to highly refined white sugar.

7. Nutritional Value: Turbinado sugar contains slightly higher amounts of certain minerals, such as potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium, compared to refined white sugar. However, the quantities of these minerals are still relatively small, and turbinado sugar should not be consumed as a primary source of nutrients.

Overall, turbinado sugar is a minimally processed and slightly unrefined alternative to refined white sugar. It offers a less sweet taste, a hint of molasses flavor, a coarser texture, and a slightly golden brown color. While it may contain trace amounts of minerals, it should still be consumed in moderation like any other added sugars in the diet.