Sugars – history of origin, variety of species and use in the food industry
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Sugar Origin History
Sugar began to be produced in India in ancient times. Locals used sugar cane to produce sweet juice, which was then boiled and obtained crystalline sugar. This process was known as early as the 4th century BC. eh.
Sugar production then spread to other regions of the world, including China, Persia and the Arabian Peninsula. In the Middle Ages, sugar became a very valuable commodity and was traded between countries.
In the 19th century, sugar production became industrialized, and sugar began to be produced on a large scale. With the advent of technology and the mechanization of the production process, sugar has become accessible to the general population and has become an integral part of our food.
Process of sugar production
1. Preparation of raw materials: Sugar cane or sugar beet is used to produce sugar. The raw material goes through a cleaning and preparation process before further processing.
2. Juice extraction: Sugar cane or beets are passed through special mills to extract the juice that contains sugar.
3. Juice cleaning: The resulting juice goes through the process of cleaning from impurities and contaminants to obtain a pure sugar solution.
4. Crystallization: The pure sugar solution is heated and then cooled so that sugar crystals begin to form.
5. Separation of sugar from syrup: The sugar crystals formed are separated from the syrup by centrifugation or filtration.
6. Drying and packing: The resulting crystals are dried and packed according to the quality requirements and sugar production standards.
Sugar variety
NameDescriptionSugar-sandThe most common type of sugar that is commonly used to prepare sweet dishes and drinks. Sugar refinedProcessed sugar that undergoes special purification and has a thinner structure than sand sugar. Sugar powderSugar, ground to a powder state, which is often used for sprinkling desserts. Sugar crystalLarge sugar crystals that are commonly used to decorate and decorate confectionery.
Health Benefits and Harms of Sugar
Benefits of sugar:
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- Provides a quick source of energy for the body.
- Improves mood and increases serotonin levels.
It is a necessary component for the normal functioning of the brain.
However, excessive consumption of sugar can lead to the following problems:
- Obesity and development of cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of diabetes.
- Possible development of caries and problems with teeth.
It is important to monitor the level of sugar consumption and strive for balance to avoid negative health consequences.
Application of sugar in cooking
Sugar can be used to make sweets such as pies, biscuits, cakes and ice cream. It is also added to various sauces, marinades and even some meat dishes to give them a sweeter taste.
There are several different types of sugar in cooking, such as sand sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar and cane sugar. Each of them has its own characteristics and is used depending on the recipe.
Sugar is also used to make caramel, syrups and glazes, which give desserts a more attractive appearance and improve their taste.
It is important to remember that sugar should be used in moderation, as its excessive consumption can be harmful to health. Therefore, when preparing dishes with added sugar, it is important to monitor its amount and not to abuse it.
Sugar Replacement Methods
1. Fruits and berries: Use natural sweet fruits such as bananas, apples, dates or berries to add natural sweetness to dishes.
2. Honey: Replace sugar with honey that contains fewer calories and has antibacterial properties.
3. Syrups: Use maple syrup, agave or butter to prepare sweet dishes without adding regular sugar.
4. Spices: Add spices such as cinnamon, vanilla or cardamom to the dishes to give them a sweet taste without sugar.
5. Stevia: Use stevia as a natural sugar substitute. It has high sweetness, but contains no calories.
