Description

Jaggery is a traditional non-centrifugal cane sugar consumed in Asia and Africa. It is a concentrated product of date, cane juice, or palm sap(see palm sugar) without separation of the molasses and crystals, and can vary from golden brown to dark brown in colour.

Nutritional Value

It contains up to 50% sucrose, up to 20% invert sugars, and up to 20% moisture, with the remainder made up of other insoluble matter, such as wood ash, proteins, and bagasse fibers.

Health Benefits

Jaggery is a great remedy for anemia, asthma, joint pains and menstrual pains. It also aids in digestion, purifies blood and keeps the skin away from problems such as acnes and pimples. It is a great energy booster as it provides us lots of energy.

Nutritional facts

In 100g

• Calories                            22kcal
• Calories from Fat               2g
• Cholesterol                       0mg
• Sodium                            27mg
• Protein                             0mg
• Iron                                 21%

• Calcium                            10%

History

Jaggery is made of the products of sugar cane and the date palm tree. The sugar made from the sap of the date palm is both more prized and less commonly available out side of the regions where it is made. The coconut palm is tapped for producing jaggery in West Bengal, South India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, syrup extracts from kithul trees are widely used for jaggery production. This is considered the best jaggery available on the local market and is more highly valued than that from other sources.