Raw Cane Sugar

Raw cane sugar is made from sugar cane. It is also known as ‘shakar’ in Pakistan.

Cane sugar is a natural sweetener, which can be used as a substitute to refined sugar. Since it is natural and not crystalized it retains its properties and minerals.

It is made from extracting the juice from sugar cane. This juice is then strained and transferred to large pans. The liquid is stirred and boiled for hours. While stirring; impurities and water is evaporated leaving a yellow paste of cane sugar.

Finally the paste is then cooled and crushed and what is left behind is this product.

Raw cane sugar is not as healthy as our other products; but it is a better substitute to having refined and processed sugar which loses more of it’s nutrients during processing.

Quick Facts about Raw Cane Sugar

• Natural Sweetener – Essential minerals are reduced dramatically in refined sugars like; whereas raw cane sugar retains the minerals that benefit the body and health.
• Boost Energy – Raw cane sugar is a good source of glucose which rejuvenates energy levels and keeps the body energized.
• Boost immune system – The antioxidants help to fight infections and boost the immune system of the body. It protects the liver against disease and helps in keeping the bilirubin levels in control.
• Aids in digestion – Potassium present in cane sugar prevents stomach infections and keeps the digestive system in check, relieving constipation.
• Anemia Prevention – For people with low iron intake, the iron content in this natural sweetner may contribute to a small portion of daily iron intake.
• Improves Nail Health – Vitamin C, zinc and other nutrients present in cane sugar improve quality of nails making them strong, shiny and healthy.
• Improves Skin Health – Alpha hydroxy acids in cane sugar can fight acne, blemishes, prevent premature aging on the skin and keep your skin hydrated.
• Good for febrile disorders – Febrile disorders result in fevers, which can lead to seizures and loss of protein. Raw Cane sugar helps to restore all the lost protein and aids in recovery.

Nutrition Value of Product (Shakar)

100 g (half a cup) of cane sugar may contain:

Calories: 383.
Sucrose: 65–85 g
Fructose and glucose: 10–15 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Fat: 0.1 g
Iron: 11 mg  (61% of the RDA)
Magnesium: 70-90 mg  (approx 20% of the RDA).
Potassium: 1050 mg  (30% of the RDA)
Manganese: 0.2–0.5 mg (10–20% of the RDA)

How to make use of Cane Sugar

Raw cane sugar can be used in baking and cooking as a substitute for white sugar. It has a rich sweet flavor, different from regular sugar, which will add variety in cooking. The amount to use is based upon the recipe.

To sweeten tea or other drinks, you may stir 1- 2 tsp of cane sugar (shakar) to add flavor.

To make a face mask for glowing skin, combine 2 tablespoons of raw cane sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey and the juice of half a lemon. Apply the mixture on face and neck and rinse with warm water after 5-10 minutes.

Glycolic acid is found in sugar cane and is widely used in skincare products as it improves the quality of skin.