Q&A: What Is Coconut Sugar? Can I Make It At Home?

Coconuts are pretty trendy these days, but there’s more to them than just coconut milk, coconut oil and tender coconut water. The uses of coconut extend beyond the kitchen, to dining, apparel and furnishings. Coir mattresses have been around for ages, and coconut shells are being crafted into trendy, eco-friendly bowls. There's even a brand from Kerala that's making innovative vegan coconut leather!

There's something else that comes from the coconut that you may (or may not) have heard of: coconut sugar. It's a great substitute for regular sugar, and it comes from the sap of the coconut palm.

Also Known As

Since it’s derived from the coconut palm, it’s also called coconut palm sugar. Some brands also label it “coconut brown sugar", "coconut jaggery sugar" and even "coconut crystals."

The Benefits Of Coconut Sugar

It’s not refined: Any health nut knows, white sugar does more harm than good. Unlike cane sugar, coconut sugar is not processed with chemicals or treated with additives or preservatives.

Low in fructose: While coconut sugar provides the same carbs and calories as white table sugar, it has lower fructose levels. Coconut sugar is 70-79% sucrose and and only 3-9% each of fructose and glucose. All cells in the body can use up glucose – but only the liver can metabolize fructose in significant amounts. That means, when people eat a diet that is high in fructose, it puts a strain on the liver, and that excess fructose is turned into fat.

Low GI: Glycemic Index is a metric used to measure the impact carbohydrate foods have on blood sugar and glucose levels. Foods with a high GI can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Coconut sugar ranks lower than table sugar in the GI count, so it won't cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar  (which further affects insulin levels).

Nutrient-rich: Unlike white sugar, coconut sugar has traces of minerals like zinc, iron, calcium and potassium.

Can I Make It At Home?

Well, to cut a long story short – not really, unless you are willing to slave over a hot stove. Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm. The sap is extracted, boiled, and then dehydrated – so it’s not simple kitchen science.

Where Can I Buy It?

There are several brands that sell coconut sugar in India, and you can find them at local grocery stores, speciality stores and online. Here are few we’ve come across:

• Naturally Yours
• Nutty Yogi
• Tropikoko
• Lyva
• Sprig
• Phalada Pure & Sure
• Urban Platter  

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