Palm Sugar

Palm sugar is an unrefined sweetener made from the sap of several types of palm trees. It has a subtle caramel flavor and is used as a natural sweetener in many dishes, including curries and desserts. The nutritional content of palm sugar varies by type but generally it is higher in minerals such as calcium and iron than cane sugar.

Ingredients

Palm sugar is made from the sap of several types of palm trees, most commonly the coconut or palmyra palms. The sap is boiled and allowed to cool, forming a syrup-like consistency. This syrup is then evaporated until it forms a powder-like consistency. Generally, no other ingredients are added to palm sugar; however, it may occasionally have molasses or brown sugar added for additional sweetness.

Nutritional Facts

Palm sugar is a natural unrefined sweetener that is a source of several essential minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. It also contains small amounts of B vitamins, as well as other antioxidants such as vitamin E. Compared to refined sugars such as white sugar, palm sugar contains more mineral content and has a lower glycemic index which means it is digested more slowly and causes less of a spike in blood sugar levels.