What Is Khandsari?
Are you curious to know what is khandsari? You have come to the right place as I am going to tell you everything about khandsari in a very simple explanation. Without further discussion let’s begin to know what is khandsari?
India is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, and a prominent feature of this cuisine is the use of various sweeteners. One such sweetener is khandsari, a traditional Indian unrefined sugar that has been used for centuries. Khandsari is not only used as a sweetener, but it also has medicinal properties and is believed to have numerous health benefits. In this blog, we will delve into the world of khandsari, its history, the traditional process of making it, and the benefits it offers.
What Is Khandsari?
Khandsari is an unrefined, non-centrifugal cane sugar that is made by boiling sugarcane juice until it solidifies. Unlike refined sugar, khandsari retains its natural molasses and minerals, giving it a unique flavor profile. Khandsari is a popular sweetener in India, particularly in the northern and western regions, where it is commonly used in tea, sweets, and other culinary preparations.
History Of Khandsari
The origin of khandsari can be traced back to ancient India, where sugarcane was first cultivated. It is believed that the production of khandsari started in the 18th century in Uttar Pradesh, where sugarcane was abundant. Khandsari was traditionally made by boiling sugarcane juice in open pans until it solidified. The resulting solid mass was then broken into small pieces, known as khandsari, which were then sold in the market.
Traditional Process Of Making Khandsari
The process of making khandsari involves several steps, each of which contributes to its unique flavor and nutritional profile. The process begins with the extraction of sugarcane juice using a mechanical or manual press. The extracted juice is then boiled in large, open pans over a fire until it thickens and solidifies. During the boiling process, impurities rise to the surface and are skimmed off, resulting in a purer product.
Once the juice has solidified, it is transferred to a cooling table, where it is broken into small pieces using wooden paddles. The broken pieces are then packaged and sold in the market. The traditional process of making khandsari is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it results in a unique, flavorful product that is free of chemicals and additives.
Benefits Of Khandsari
- Nutritional Value: Khandsari is a natural sweetener that is rich in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are not found in refined sugar, making khandsari a healthier alternative.
- Medicinal Properties: Khandsari is believed to have several medicinal properties, including the ability to boost immunity, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
- Environmentally Friendly: The production of khandsari is a sustainable and environmentally friendly process that does not involve the use of chemicals or additives.
- Unique Flavor: Khandsari has a unique flavor profile that is rich and caramel-like. It adds depth and complexity to culinary preparations and can be used as a substitute for refined sugar in many recipes.
Conclusion
Khandsari is a traditional Indian sweetener that has a rich history and unique production process. It is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, rich in essential minerals, and believed to have several medicinal properties. The traditional process of making khandsari is a labor-intensive but sustainable process that results in a unique, flavorful product. Khandsari is not only a sweetener but also an integral part of India.
FAQ
What Is Khandsari Called In English?
The English name “muscovado” is derived from a corruption of Portuguese açúcar mascavado (unrefined sugar). The Indian English names for this type of sugar are khandsari and khand (sometimes spelled khaand).
How Is Khandsari Made?
To make khandsari sugar, sugarcane is first crushed to get sugarcane juice. The juice is boiled till it becomes a thick syrup or liquid jaggery. This syrup is of a dark brown colour. The syrup is then left to dry for a couple of days.
What Is Khandsari And Molasses?
Explanation: Molasses — Thick, dark brown, uncrystallized juice obtained from raw sugar during the refining process. Khandsari is an unrefined raw white sugar rich in minerals making it healthier than chemically refined sugar.
What Is Khandsari Jaggery?
Khandsari is a simple sugar that is physically extracted from the liquid jaggery making it the healthiest alternative to refined white sugar. The sugarcane juice is boiled until it turns into thick liquid jaggery syrup.
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