Coconut sugar – Have you ever wondered where it comes from?

Here's how coconut sugar is produced

To make coconut sugar, farmers climb coconut palm trees and collect sap from the flower buds (also known as "toddy" or "nectar"). They make a small incision in the bud to collect the sap twice daily (in the morning and late afternoon). The collected sap is then heated to reduce the water content, thicken it and concentrate its sweetness. Once cooled, the sap naturally crystallises into granules similar to traditional brown sugar. It can be ground for a finer texture.

Coconut sugar apple bowl

Note that there are several palm sugars, and they taste different!
Coconut sugar is different from palm sugar, which is made from the sap of various palm trees, but not specifically coconut palms. True coconut sugar is made exclusively from the sap of the coconut palm.

Coconut sugar palm

Coconut sugar – a true gourmet delicacy!
Coconut sugar is prized for its pronounced caramel taste, which adds a rich sweetness to many dishes and baked goods. For gourmets, it is a true delicacy! It is often used as a natural sweetener in coffee, tea, desserts and sauces. It is also claimed to have a lower GI than regular table sugar, meaning it can have a lower effect on blood sugar levels when consumed moderately. It's important to remember, though, that coconut sugar is still a high-calorie sweetener and should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Coconut sugar palm

In summary, coconut sugar is produced through the meticulous process of collecting and crystallising the sap from coconut palm flower buds, resulting in a gourmet delicacy with a distinct caramel flavour that serves as a natural sweetener with potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Try Viva la Gaia!
At Viva la Gaia, we have prepared excellent organic coconut sugar for you! Try it. Also, take a look at the great recipes we have prepared for you.