Khand sugar, also known as Khandsari, is a traditional, unrefined, or minimally processed raw sugar made in India from thickened sugarcane juice. It is a healthier alternative to refined white sugar because it is produced without the use of chemicals for bleaching or refining, thus retaining more of the natural molasses and nutrients from the sugarcane.
How is Khand Sugar Made?
The production of Khand sugar is a traditional, multi-step process that is less intensive than the industrial process for making white sugar.
- Juice Extraction: Fresh sugarcane is crushed to extract its juice.
- Clarification: The juice is then boiled in large, open pans. Natural clarifying agents, often from plants like okra, are added to the boiling juice. These agents help in bringing the impurities to the surface as scum, which is then skimmed off.
- Concentration: The juice is continuously boiled until it thickens into a syrup, known as ‘rab’.
- Crystallization: This thick syrup (‘rab’) is then left to cool and crystallize naturally over several days. The mixture is stirred manually to encourage the formation of sugar crystals.
- Separation of Molasses: The crystallized sugar is then separated from the liquid molasses, often using centrifugal force. The resulting product is Khand sugar, which has a brownish or golden-yellow color and a distinct, mild caramel-like flavor.
Khand Sugar vs. Other Sugars
It’s easy to get confused between the various types of sugar available in the Indian market. Here’s a clear comparison.
| Feature | Khand Sugar (Khandsari) | Refined White Sugar | Jaggery (Gur) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Minimally processed, chemical-free. | Highly processed and refined with chemicals like sulfur. | Unrefined, simplest form of processing. |
| Nutritional Content | Retains some molasses, so it has trace amounts of minerals like iron and calcium. | Contains only ’empty calories’ (sucrose) with no nutrients. | Richest in minerals and nutrients among the three as it contains all the molasses. |
| Appearance | Fine, granular crystals, brownish or golden-yellow. | Uniform, white, sparkling crystals. | Solid block or powder form, dark brown or golden. |
| Flavor | Mild, pleasant caramel flavor. | Neutral, sweet taste. | Strong, distinct molasses flavor. |
| Health Impact | Considered a healthier alternative to white sugar. | Linked to various health issues when consumed in excess. | Considered the healthiest of the three due to its high nutrient content. |
Benefits of Using Khand Sugar
Opting for Khand sugar over refined white sugar can offer several health benefits.
- More Nutritious: Since it is not completely stripped of molasses, it contains trace amounts of essential minerals and vitamins.
- Free from Chemicals: The traditional production process avoids the use of harmful chemicals like sulfur, which are used to bleach white sugar.
- Better Digestion: According to Ayurvedic principles, Khand is considered easier to digest than refined sugar.
- Rich in Flavor: Its natural, mild caramel flavor can enhance the taste of sweets, tea, and coffee.
Khand is part of a growing movement towards traditional and healthier food choices, similar to the preference for desi khand (a finer version of Khandsari) or natural salts like sendha namak. While it is healthier than refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with diabetes. The safety and standards of such products in India are overseen by the FSSAI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Khand sugar?
Khand sugar, or Khandsari, is a type of traditional, unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice in India. It is produced without chemicals, so it retains some of the natural molasses, giving it a brownish color, a mild caramel flavor, and more nutrients than white sugar.
Is Khand sugar the same as brown sugar?
No, they are different. Khand is traditionally made by minimally processing sugarcane juice. Most commercial brown sugar is just refined white sugar to which molasses has been added back. Khand is considered a more natural and less processed option.
Is Khand sugar healthy?
Khand sugar is considered a healthier alternative to refined white sugar because it is less processed and retains some trace minerals. However, it is still sugar and is high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Can diabetics eat Khand sugar?
Diabetics should be very cautious. While Khand may be slightly better than white sugar due to its mineral content, it will still raise blood sugar levels. It is best for individuals with diabetes to consult their doctor before consuming any form of sugar.
What is the difference between Khand and Desi Khand?
The terms are often used interchangeably. ‘Desi Khand’ usually refers to a finer, more powdered form of Khandsari sugar. Both are traditional, minimally processed sugars and are much healthier alternatives to industrially produced refined white sugar.