Natural Sweeteners

On Monday I encouraged you to avoid artificial sweeteners and I promised a list of sweeteners that are slightly better than simple sugars (white sugar, brown sugar, turbinado sugar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, maltose and sorbitol).

Here is that list.

 

Stevia- A sweet South American herb that has been used safely for centuries. It is considered to be one of the healthiest sweeteners. Stevia is 150-400 times sweeter than sugar (a little goes a long way). It has no calories and it can help regulate blood sugar. Stevia is popular in Japan but can be found in all US health food stores in tincture or powder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honey- It takes one bee an entire lifetime to produce a single tablespoon of honey from flower nectar. Honey is twice as sweet as table sugar so use sparingly. Look for raw honey because it still contains some vitamins, minerals, enzymes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agave – Agave nectar is a multipurpose sweetener obtained from the core of the Mexican Agave cactus, the same plant whose sap is a source of tequila. Agave resembles honey and can be used just like honey.

 

 

 

 

Unrefined Cane Juice- Sugar cane in crystal form, it retains all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the sugar cane. Cane juice has a slightly stronger flavor and less intense sweetness than white sugar, but it can be substituted for white sugar equally in any recipe. Look for the brand name Sucanat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whole Fruit- For baking try fruit purees, dried fruit and cooked fruit sauces (applesauce). The less water remaining in a fruit, the more concentrated its flavor and sugar content.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blackstrap Molasses – Molasses is a by-product of sugar production. It is a highly processed, simple sugar that enters the blood stream rapidly. However, blackstrap molasses is not as refined as molasses and it contains calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and chromium. Note, diabetics should avoid all molasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Rice Syrup – High in complex carbohydrates, it is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. The “magic” ingredients are the enzymes. Devansoy is the brand name for powdered brown rice sweetener.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!