Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is an unrefined or raw cane sugar coated with molasses and processed into large golden crystals or cubes of sugar. The molasses gives it a delicious aroma and delicate flavour, and a soft, moist texture. Its large, coarse crystals make it ideal for sprinkling over desserts, fruit, porridge or cereal and it is excellent for serving with coffee.

Demerara sugar can also be used in baking, giving a pleasant creamy colour and good flavour. It is particularly good for making spiced breads and for recipes containing ginger or dried fruit. However, like honey, demerara slightly retards the action of yeast in the early stages of rising.

Demerara may also be made from partially refined sugar that is lighter brown in colour than the unrefined version. The term may also refer to white sugar that has simply been blended with molasses.

Demerara sugar may be kept in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, it should be stored in an airtight contain to prevent it from becoming damp or hard.