Bura (Desi Sugar)

Bura Desi Sugar is traditional locally processed powdered, quick desolving sweetener from sugarcane also known as Demerara (Dutch: Demerary) sugar. It is light brown in colour and more granular than refined white sugar.

Bura (or crushed) sugar is sulphurless, least refined or processed form of sugar or sugarcane juice. It has fine sandy texture and is used to make all traditional Indian sweetmeats (mithai). Properly stored it remains free flowing, lump-free and stays fresh for longer periods.

For extraction it goes through the process of reduction and refinement only once. If we compare, jaggery, sugar and Bura sugar, it is the closest form of natural sugar, bura sugar still contains certain amount of nutrients. White sugar on the other hand, is the most refined or processed form of sugar.

The sugarcane juice extracted from the pressed sugarcane, is boiled, leading to evaporation of water or moisture from the juice. The left thick sugar syrup is then cooled, it eventually hardens and crystallizes. The sugar obtained at this stage is known as bura sugar. Further processing naturally nullifies or kills almost all the nutrients of the sugarcane juice and all we are left with is a non-nutritive sweetener, devoid of minerals.

Bura Desi Sugar contains molasses that processes minerals like calcium, vitamins B3, B5, B5 and iron. The darker the bura sugar (less refined), the higher the content of molasses, which when compared to jaggery vs sugar, is absent, even though calories would remain same in both.

Uses:

- Sugar substitute in almost every dish or recipe
- Ideal sweetener for traditional recipes, where it brings that earthy taste into the sweets

Caution:

1. Bura Sugar hardens if not stored properly. Transfer contents from packet to an airtight container and keep in a cool and dry place. Never use a wet spoon to take out the sugar.
2. While bura sugar might be a healthier option compared to jaggery vs white sugar, over indulgence can still lead to health issues like diabetes and obesity. Advantage of consuming Bura sugar is to stay away from the empty calories (non-nutritious) and chemicals induced white sugar.