Brown sugar (demerara)
Description
Demerara brown sugar is a lightly processed sugar with large, light brown crystals and a slightly moist texture, featuring a distinct caramel-molasses note that adds sweetness with a deeper, slightly nutty aroma. Its taste and appearance make it appealing for decoration and dishes where texture and flavor are important. Nutritionally, demerara is primarily sucrose and has a caloric content similar to white sugar, with small amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron derived from molasses; thus, health benefits are limited and mainly pertain to aroma and minimal traces of mineral content, rather than significant metabolic impact. Typical uses include sweetening coffee and tea, sprinkling on baked goods for crunch, caramelizing, glazes and marinades, and cocktails. To maintain freshness and prevent clumping, store demerara in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.