Brown sugar (light muscovado or demerara)

Description

Brown sugar (light muscovado or demerara) is a sugar with a golden light brown color and varying texture — muscovado is moist and finer, while demerara has larger, crunchy crystals. The flavor is rich, caramel-molasses with hints of toffee and a slight bitterness that adds depth to baked goods and beverages more than regular white sugar. Nutritionally, it mainly provides quickly absorbable calories similar to other sugars, but in a less refined form, it contains trace amounts of minerals (potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium). Health benefits are limited — it may be preferred for its flavor and lower degree of processing, but should be used in moderation. It is often used in cookies, cakes, sauces, marinades, glazes, coffee, or muesli, and pairs well with citrus zest, ginger, nuts, and chocolate. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, protecting it from moisture; if it clumps, you can add a slice of bread or apple to soften the sugar.