Coconut Palm Sugar

Made from the nectar of the coconut palm tree, coconut palm sugar is a popular alternative to generic table sugar, thanks to its long list of healthy and flavorful qualities. A rich, unrefined sugar, it has a delicious and deeply caramelized flavor. With a similar look to brown sugar, its golden amber color and nonuniform granules make it an excellent option for garnishing muffins, quick breads, and other baked goods.

Not only is coconut sugar a pretty addition to your sweet creations it’s also a relatively healthy one. Compared to other natural sweeteners, coconut sugar has a relatively low glycemic index, helping to keep blood glucose levels low and prevent insulin spikes. Whereas table sugar is refined to the point where it no longer contains any nutritive qualities, coconut sugar preserves many nutrients found in the coconut palm — including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium.

Often cited as being ‘the most sustainable form of sugar’ coconut sugar is created without ever having to cut down a single tree. Generally harvested by small-scale farmers year-round, the process is a simple and wholesome one allowing the trees to continue to produce coconuts on one side and sap for sugar on the other. Tapping the tree for nectar consists of simply making a few cuts into the tree's flower, this allows access to the tree's coconut sap. Once the sap is harvested it is cooked down until the water has evaporated. Allowed to thoroughly dry the syrup is then broken down into granules similar to other forms of sugar. Add a warm color and an excellent depth of flavor to your baked goods without any of the guilt by using delicious coconut palm sugar!