Turbinado sugar, also referred to as raw sugar, is often compared to regular refined sugar, but they are not exactly the same. The key difference lies in the processing methods and the resulting characteristics of the sugar.
Processing: Turbinado sugar is made by extracting the juice from sugar cane and then evaporating it to form crystals. This process is less refined compared to the one used for regular white sugar. On the other hand, refined sugar undergoes further processing, including purification, clarification, and the removal of impurities, resulting in the familiar white granulated sugar commonly used in households.
Appearance: One noticeable difference between turbinado and refined sugar is their appearance. Turbinado sugar has a light brown color due to the presence of molasses, which is not fully removed during processing. This gives it a more natural and raw appearance. In contrast, refined sugar is pure white in color, as all impurities, including molasses, are removed during processing.
Texture: The texture of turbinado sugar is coarser compared to refined sugar. The crystals of turbinado sugar are larger and have a sandy texture, while refined sugar has finer and smoother crystals. This difference in texture can be attributed to the minimal processing of turbinado sugar, which retains more of the natural characteristics of the sugar cane.
Flavor: Turbinado sugar has a subtle molasses flavor due to the presence of molasses residue. This gives it a slightly richer and more complex taste compared to the neutral sweetness of refined sugar. However, the flavor difference is not significant and may not be noticeable in some recipes.
Baking: One important distinction between turbinado sugar and refined sugar is their behavior during baking. Turbinado sugar does not dissolve or melt easily, unlike refined sugar. This means that when using turbinado sugar in baking, it will retain its texture and provide a crunchy, sparkly finish on the baked goods. This can be particularly desirable for certain recipes, such as cookies or crumbles, where a textural contrast is desired.
Cost: It's worth mentioning that turbinado sugar is generally more expensive than refined white sugar. The less refined processing and the inclusion of molasses contribute to the higher cost. However, the difference in price may vary depending on the brand and location.
While turbinado sugar and refined sugar share similarities as sweeteners, there are distinct differences in processing, appearance, texture, and taste. Turbinado sugar's raw and natural appearance, coarser texture, subtle molasses flavor, and its ability to retain its texture during baking make it a unique and sought-after ingredient for certain culinary applications.