FOOD | KNOW-HOW
DEMERARA SUGAR This minimally refined cane sugar has large grains, which can be used to add texture and crunch to biscuits and cakes. It also has a subtle caramel flavour that works well in coffee.
GOLDEN SYRUP This is made by refining sugar cane into a clear, amber liquid. It’s sweeter than sugar and is best known for its use in traditional desserts such as steamed puddings and golden syrup cakes.
CASTER SUGAR Finely granulated white or pale golden sugar, caster sugar dissolves quickly, which makes it ideal for baking. It’s the go-to for making meringues as the small granules blend well with the beaten egg whites.
Sugar as a treat HOW MUCH CAN I HAVE? Sugar is high in calories and contributes few other nutrients. The recommended daily intake is 95g for men, 90g for women and 85g for children aged 5-10. The NHS recommends no more than 5% of your daily calorie intake should come from free sugars.
WHAT IS FREE SUGAR? This is the sugar that is added to food and drinks (before you buy it, or by you at home), or sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, unsweetened fruit juice and smoothies.
AND IF I EAT TOO MUCH?
WORDS TABITHA WARD PHOTOGRAPHY KRIS KIRKHAM FOOD STYLING LUCY JESSOP PROP STYLING JENNY IGGLEDEN
It can cause tooth decay. Also, free sugars are released into the bloodstream at a fast rate, resulting in elevated blood sugar. If this persists, it can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
HONEY A thick, golden liquid made by honeybees, honey is fragrant with a floral flavour. Use in banana bread, hot drinks, or to add sweetness to salad dressings.
MUSCOVADO SUGAR Both light and dark varieties contain molasses so have an intense caramel flavour, which works well in barbecue sauces and marinades, as well as in sticky puddings.
MAPLE SYRUP A dark liquid that comes from boiling the sap of maple trees, maple syrup has a sweet caramel taste and works in both sweet and savoury foods. Bacon pancakes, anyone? 67