What is pure cane syrup used for?

Pure cane syrup, sometimes called pure cane sugar or evaporated cane juice, is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane. It has been used for centuries as a sweetener and ingredient in cooking and baking. Here’s an in-depth look at what pure cane syrup is, how it’s made, and what it’s commonly used for.

What Exactly is Pure Cane Syrup?

Pure cane syrup is made from sugarcane juice that has been boiled down to form a thick, amber-colored syrup. It contains no added flavors, colors, or preservatives. The terms “pure cane syrup” and “evaporated cane juice” are used interchangeably to refer to this all-natural sweetener.

Pure cane syrup differs from regular white sugar in a few key ways:

  • It’s less processed – Pure cane syrup is made by simply boiling down freshly pressed sugarcane juice. Regular white sugar goes through more extensive processing and refining.
  • It has more minerals – Since pure cane syrup doesn’t undergo the full refining process, it retains more of the natural minerals from the sugarcane juice, including calcium, potassium, and iron.
  • It has more flavor – Pure cane syrup has caramel and butterscotch notes and a deeper, richer flavor compared to regular white sugar.
  • It’s slightly less sweet – Pure cane syrup has a lower sucrose content than white sugar, making it about 20% less sweet.

While both pure cane syrup and regular white sugar originate from sugarcane, pure cane syrup is the less refined option that’s closer to an all-natural state.

How is Pure Cane Syrup Made?

Pure cane syrup is made using a simple process of boiling freshly pressed sugarcane juice. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Sugarcane is harvested and pressed to extract the juice.
  2. The cane juice is strained to remove solids and impurities.
  3. The juice is boiled to evaporate water content, causing it to thicken into a syrup.
  4. The syrup is cooled and bottled.

No other ingredients are added during this process. Some producers may filter the finished syrup to remove any remaining particulates before bottling. The syrup is simply sugarcane juice concentrated into liquid form.

What is Pure Cane Syrup Used For?

Pure cane syrup has many culinary uses thanks to its sweet flavor and thick, pourable consistency. Here are some of the most common ways it is used:

Baking

Pure cane syrup can be used as a sweetener in baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins, breads, and more. It adds moistness and a rich caramelized sweetness.

Replace up to half the white sugar called for in a recipe with pure cane syrup. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup sugar, use 1/2 cup pure cane syrup and 1/2 cup sugar.

Because pure cane syrup is about 20% less sweet than white sugar, you may need to slightly increase the amount to achieve the desired level of sweetness. It contains some glucose and fructose, which also affects baking chemistry slightly differently than white sugar.

Pancakes and Waffles

Drizzle or pour pure cane syrup directly onto pancakes, waffles, French toast, and other breakfast treats. Its thick consistency helps it cling nicely to the food without soaking in too quickly.

Oatmeal and Cereal

Stir pure cane syrup into oatmeal or drizzle it over granola, yogurt, and breakfast cereals for added natural sweetness.

Smoothies and Milkshakes

Add pure cane syrup to smoothies, milkshakes, protein shakes, and other blended drinks in place of other sweeteners like honey, agave, or sugar.

Coffee and Tea

Sweeten up your hot or iced coffee, tea, or herbal infusion with pure cane syrup instead of regular sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its deeper flavor comes through nicely.

Cocktails

For a signature cocktail, substitute pure cane syrup for simple syrup or other sweeteners in drinks. It adds distinctive rich, buttery caramel tones.

Glazes and Sauces

Use pure cane syrup to lend sweetness, body, and a glossy sheen to glazes and sauces for meats, vegetables, desserts, and more. It has a high enough burn point to be reduced to a thick coating consistency.

Marinades and Dressings

Add pure cane syrup to salad dressings, marinades, and barbecue sauces to balance out acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus juice.

Fruit Dishes

Drizzle or stir pure cane syrup into fresh fruit salads and compotes, or use it in place of granulated sugar when making baked fruit dishes like apple crisps.

Sweetening Any Food or Beverage

Use pure cane syrup as you would regular white sugar or honey to lightly sweeten any savory food, drink, or dessert. A little goes a long way thanks to its intense sweetness.

Benefits of Pure Cane Syrup

Why use pure cane syrup instead of regular refined white sugar? Here are some of the key benefits this less-processed natural sweetener offers:

  • Richer flavor – Pure cane syrup has a complex, buttery caramel taste compared to plain white sugar.
  • Natural source – It’s made from just one simple, natural ingredient – sugarcane juice.
  • Mineral content – Pure cane syrup retains minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium from the original cane juice.
  • Versatile uses – It can be used in place of granulated sugar or other liquid sweeteners in any application.
  • Milder sweetness – The lower sucrose content results in a less overpowering sweetness.

For those looking to cut back on refined sugar or add more natural sweetness to their diet, pure cane syrup is an excellent option to incorporate into cooking and baking.

Buying and Storing Pure Cane Syrup

Where can you buy pure cane syrup and how should you store it once purchased?

Where to Buy

Pure cane syrup can be purchased from the following sources:

  • Grocery stores – Find it on the baking aisle or with other alternative sweeteners like honey and maple syrup.
  • Health food stores – Stores focused on natural and organic foods often carry it.
  • Online – Purchase through online retailers like Amazon or directly from pure cane syrup brands.
  • Farmers markets – Look for local sugarcane growers selling their syrup at markets.
  • Specialty international food stores – Caribbean and Latin American markets may stock it.

Be sure to read the label and look for 100% pure cane syrup or evaporated cane juice with no added ingredients. Organic, non-GMO, and fair trade certified options are available for those looking for purity standards.

How to Store

Store pure cane syrup in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Under optimal storage conditions, it will keep for 12-24 months. The sugars may eventually crystallize, but this does not affect safety or quality. Simply warm the container in hot water to liquefy the syrup again before use.

Refrigeration is not required, but will prolong freshness and shelf life, keeping it pourable for up to 36 months. If refrigerated, let the syrup come to room temperature before use for easier pouring and mixing.

Tightly reseal containers after each use to maintain quality over time. Watch for signs of mold growth, fermentation bubbling, or changes in texture, color, or smell before consuming.

Pure Cane Syrup Nutrition Facts

Here is how pure cane syrup stacks up nutritionally compared to white sugar and other common sweeteners (based on 1 tablespoon serving sizes):

Sweetener Calories Sugar Carbs
Pure cane syrup 55 14g 15g
White sugar 49 12.6g 12.6g
Honey 64 17g 17g
Maple syrup 52 12.4g 13g
Agave nectar 52 12.2g 12.2g

As you can see, pure cane syrup is moderately higher in calories and carbohydrates compared to refined white sugar. It contains more overall sugar due to its higher glucose and fructose content.

However, pure cane syrup delivers small amounts of key micronutrients, while white sugar contains none. Per tablespoon, you’ll get:

  • 20mg calcium
  • 40mg potassium
  • 0.5mg iron

So while not dramatically different nutritionally than other unrefined sweeteners, pure cane syrup does edge out refined white sugar by providing trace minerals and a slightly more natural sugar makeup.

Potential Downsides of Pure Cane Syrup

While pure cane syrup does offer some advantages over regular refined sugar, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

  • Still high in sugar and calories – All types of added sugar should be used sparingly. Pure cane syrup is no exception and provides no real nutrition.
  • May spike blood sugar – The carbohydrate content can rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
  • Tooth decay risk – The sugars can be used by cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
  • Not suitable for some diets – Pure cane syrup would need to be avoided on low-carb, keto, or low-glycemic diets.

Moderation is key, even when using less refined natural sweeteners. Pure cane syrup may have a slight edge over white sugar for some, but should still be used judiciously as part of an overall healthy diet.

The Bottom Line

Pure cane syrup is a minimally processed natural sweetener that makes a good replacement for refined white sugar. Thanks to its complex flavor, versatility, and nutrition profile, it can be used as a touch of sweetness in a wide variety of recipes from pancakes to barbecue sauce.

While no added sugar is truly essential, pure cane syrup is one of the tastier, more nutritious options for those looking to incorporate modest amounts of natural sweetness into their diet.

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