Muscovado sugar, also known as Barbados sugar, khandsari, or khand, is a partially refined sugar made from sugarcane juice. Unlike refined white sugar, which undergoes extensive processing to strip away molasses, muscovado retains this natural byproduct, giving it its characteristic moist texture, dark brown colour, and rich, toffee-like flavour with slightly bitter undertones. Interestingly, other minimally refined sugars, like jaggery, panela, and sucanat, share similarities with muscovado, but its moisture makes it different.How Is Muscovado Sugar Manufactured?The production process of this natural sweetener involves extracting juice from sugarcane, adding lime, and cooking the mixture to evaporate water. This allows the crystals to form. Unlike white sugar, the molasses content in muscovado remains intact, which not only defines its unique taste but also makes formulates its nutritional profile. Several essential minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron, are present in Muscovado sugar. It also contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. While the nutrient content is modest, these components make muscovado slightly more beneficial than refined sugars.How Is It Different from Other Sugars?Granulated white sugar, the most common sweetener, is stripped of molasses entirely, leaving it nutritionally void. Brown sugar, though similar in appearance, is essentially white sugar with molasses reintroduced in small amounts. In contrast, Muscovado retains all its molasses making the most nutrient-dense sugar. Moreover, Muscovado's intense flavour makes it a versatile ingredient in sweet and savoury dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with baked goods like brownies, gingerbread, and cookies, where its robust molasses undertones shine. It's also a great addition to savoury applications such as marinades, glazes, and barbeque sauces, enhancing these recipes' rich, caramel-like taste.Despite its natural composition and slight nutritional edge over refined sugars, muscovado is still sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of added sugars, including muscovado, has been linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Health experts recommend limiting added sugar consumption to no more than 25 grams daily for women and 37.5 grams for men. While muscovado sugar offers a flavorful alternative to refined sugars, its health benefits are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.Is Jaggery Better?Jaggery is derived primarily from sugarcane or, less commonly, palm sap. Unlike refined sugar, it retains molasses, a nutrient-rich byproduct of sugar production. Traditionally, jaggery is made following three processes. Firstly, juice is extracted from sugarcane or palm. Then, impurities are removed by straining the juice. Finally, the juice is boiled down into a thick paste and then cooled into solid blocks, granules, or liquid forms. The colour ranges from light golden to dark brown, with lighter shades often being prized for their purity.There is minimal difference when it comes to nutritional value. Both jaggery and muscovado sugar retain trace amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron due to their molasses content. Jaggery, being less processed, may have slightly higher levels of these nutrients. Additionally, jaggery contains small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help fight oxidative stress.ALSO READ: How Nutritious Is Jaggery? Should You Switch To Honey?