What is Palm Sugar?
Palm sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of the palm tree. It is a traditional ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines and is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world as a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Palm sugar has a slightly caramel-like flavor and a slightly gritty texture. It is typically sold in block or granulated form.
Benefits of Palm Sugar
Palm sugar is a good source of several nutrients, including:
- Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in over 300 bodily functions, including energy production, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
- Iron: Iron is a mineral that is essential for red blood cell production.
Palm sugar is also a low-glycemic index food, which means that it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Uses of Palm Sugar
Palm sugar can be used as a sweetener in a variety of foods and drinks, including:
- Coffee and tea
- Smoothies and juices
- Baked goods
- Sauces and marinades
- Stir-fries and curries
Palm sugar can also be used as a substitute for refined sugar in many recipes.
How to Use Palm Sugar
Palm sugar can be used in place of refined sugar in most recipes. However, it is important to note that palm sugar is slightly less sweet than refined sugar, so you may need to use a little more to achieve the same level of sweetness.
When using palm sugar, it is important to dissolve it completely before adding it to your recipe. You can do this by dissolving it in a small amount of warm water or by adding it to your food or drink and stirring until it is dissolved.
Palm sugar is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of ways. It is a good source of several nutrients and is a low-glycemic index food, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
How many calories are in Palm Sugar?
Each 1 tsp of Palm Sugar contains 18 calories.
Palm Sugar Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tsp (4.6g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 18 Calories |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | g |
| Cholesterol | mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | g |
| Sugar | 4.6g |
| Sodium | 0.0001mg |
| Potassium | 0.0013mg |
| Calcium | 0.0006mg |
| Iron | 0mg |