Sugar has gotten a bad rap as of late, often labeled as 'evil' in nutrition. The truth is natural sugar, is good for you. The problem is that food corporations are replacing pure cane sugar with highly processed forms of modified sugar and artificial sweeteners, which have detrimental effects on the body. High fructose corn syrup and beet sugar are often produced using GMOs (genetically engineered-modified organisms), while artificial sugars such as aspartame causes tooth decay (even more than sugar according to my dentist) and in some studies cancer. Splenda and Truvia have mixed results on health. My dentist says he prefers organic sugar to any artificial sweetener as most artificial sugars have acid that burns tooth enamel.
I am an avid baker, creating delicious gluten free, wholesome recipes. As a person with Celiac Disease, Histamine Intolerance and Soy Allergy I am highly sensitive to GMO/non-natural food (this is due to lack of digestive enzymes such as DAO and damage to small intestine from Celiac). I assumed all cane sugar is created equal. I was wrong. Sugar processing is prone to inorganic practices from mixing beet sugar with cane sugar, and high carbon emissions (white sugar). Striving to cook with only GMO-free and sustainable products, I began researching organic sugars. After experimenting with various brands these are my top picks:
Morena Pure Cane Sugar by Zulka:
"Morena is an all natural unrefined and Non-GMO pure cane sugar that is made by squeezing and evaporating the juice from freshly harvested sugar cane. the result is a golden sweet crystal that tastes like biting into fresh sugar cane." Zulka works with small farmers in Mexico, building communities through ethical and eco-friendly harvesting. Morena sugar can be exchanged cup for cup with white sugar. Morena sugar is my go to for baking muffins and cookies. It has a rich balance, with wholesome flavor.
Where to buy: I purchased an 8 lb. bag at Wal-Mart. It is also sold at natural food stores and online.
http://www.zulka.com
Florida Crystals
"Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North America’s first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from the field to the table. We are America’s first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States, and the first sugar certified CarbonFree® by Carbonfund.org. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations and tens of thousands of homes, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels."
I use Florida Crystals for light cakes that demand a powerful sweet texture. Florida Crystals works great for robust sugar cookies. I also enjoy putting a sprinkle or two in my nightly cup of Earl Grey Tea. I appreciate that Florida Crystals leave no trace Carbon Free commitment, which is vital for agricultural sustainability. Sugar processing often mars the environment with heavy emissions. Florida Crystals is on the forward eco-agriculture movement.
Wholesome Sweeteners:
"At Wholesome Sweeteners we are committed to providing the most delicious Fairtrade Certified, Organic, Natural and Non-GMO Project Verified sweeteners sourced from ethically and environmentally responsible growers and manufacturers. We provide safe and flavorful sweeteners that are produced with respect for food safety, the environment and human welfare. We strongly believe in the importance of sustainable and organic agriculture to encourage a safe and beautiful future for the planet and its people. Together with your purchases, we are Making the World a Sweeter Place, One Spoonful at a Time!
We believe protecting the environment through sustainable farming is critical to a healthy planet and healthy people. Read more about our organic farming practices in Paraguay, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico.
We believe that the farmers who feed the world everyday deserve a fair price for the crops they grow. Read more about Wholesome Sweeteners' commitment to Fair Trade in Malawi, Paraguay, Mexico, and Brazil.
C&H Sugar:
Although C&H is not certified organic, C&H continues to only produce beet-free and GMO-free pure cane sugar, both in its white cane sugar and brown sugar. It is the best national, non-organic brand, for pure sugar.
Stevia:
I am not a user of Stevia as it can be hard to compute the equivalent of potent Stevia in exchange for cane sugar. Stevia is natural and safe. It works great for sweetening tea and for light baking. It is natural sugar from the Stevia plant. Stevia has been used in Asia for centuries.
Be wary when purchasing Stevia that it does not add dextrose...(Stevia in the Raw has dextrose)...I recommend Stevia from Wholesome Sweeteners
Blue Agave Nectar:
I have not used Agave in baking. I have heard mixed reviews about the product. I would avoid it as it usually has a high fructose content.
Recipes:
Lemon Drop Cookies:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
*Gluten Free (Mama's or King Arthur flour are great pre-made or use Adele's mix: (multiply for multiple use) 1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour, 1/4 cup White Rice Flour, 1/4 cup Tapioca Flour, 1/4 cup corn starch, 1/4 cup sorghum flour (you can add in almond flour or coconut flour for essence, although this is optional) I recommend with sugar cookies sifting the flour.
1 teaspoon baking soda (I don't use in high altitude, if above 3,000 feet will have to experiment)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (I don't use in high altitude, if above 3,000 feet will have to experiment with levels)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 large lemons
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used coconut oil and it worked well)
1 large egg (organic)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (if you live above 3,000 feet, I recommend cooking at 325) Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add lemon zest, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
5. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are slightly brown around the edges and set. Let cookies sit on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
I recommend this recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins from Florida Crystals. They were moist with a sweet apple essence.
Florida Naturals Apple Cinnamon Apples
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