*Date sugar is a natural sweetener produced by powdering or grinding the chopped and dried dates. It is not processed.

*It is light brown in color, has a very sweet taste, and a grainy texture.

*It does not melt and can clump, so cannot be used as a natural table sweetener, but can be used to sprinkle on toasts, doughnuts, etc.

*Can also be used in baking where the recipe does not require melting of sugar. One cup of refined sugar can be replaced by about two-thirds of date sugar. Date sugar can be seen as tiny brown specks in the baked goods, but does not impart any peculiar taste.

*Buying and storage: Buy pure, good quality date sugar and store in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry, dark place in the cup board at room temperature before opening. It is stable, has a good shelf life and keeps well for up to a year at room temperature.

Is it raw?

Yes, date sugar is unrefined, unprocessed and raw. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Date sugar has approximately 40% sucrose, 30% glucose and 30% fructose.

2. It may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, so diabetics have to be cautious and use it in moderation.

3. Good source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium, which are essential cofactors in many enzymatic reactions in the body and are essential to maintain proper metabolic processes of the body.

4. Good source of potassium; this along with low amounts of sodium helps to maintain blood pressure and reduces water retention.

5. Moderate source of B-group vitamins, which play a very important role in enhancing the production of energy from the foods we eat, cognitive functions, etc.

6. Good source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.

7. Moderate source of iron that in respiration at the cellular level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.