How to Choose Natural Sweetener
Consider using honey to replace refined sugars., Use fruit juice concentrates and reductions to add sweetness to your cooking., Try using agave nectar as an all-purpose sweetener., Cook with molasses when you need a hearty, full-flavored sweetener...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Consider using honey to replace refined sugars.
Honey is the oldest and most natural sweetener available
- it is made by bees even without human intervention.
Honey is incredibly versatile, working well in tea, sauces, salad dressings, baked goods, and more.
Honey ranges in color and flavor based on the type of flower from which the bees get their nectar.
Clover honey is perhaps the most common, and is readily available in grocery stores.
Its mild flavor makes it incredibly versatile.
Orange blossom honey is also easy to find, and has a mild flavor with slight citrus notes.
It is just as versatile as clover honey, and works especially well when paired with citrus.
Buckwheat honey is a dark, full-flavored honey.
It is excellent in baked goods, where it imparts a rich, caramel-like flavor. -
Step 2: Use fruit juice concentrates and reductions to add sweetness to your cooking.
Fruit juices have a high level of natural sugars, and their sweetness can be amplified by reducing them.
This can done by simmering juice in a saucepan; an alternative is to buy fruit juice concentrate in the grocery store.
Fruit juice reductions work well in both sauces and baked goods, while also making an excellent natural dessert topping. , Agave nectar is made from the agave plant, known for its crucial role in preparing tequila.
It is as versatile as honey, working well in everything from cocktails to savory sauces.
Agave nectar has a low glycemic index measure, meaning it will not cause spikes in blood sugar levels like more refined sugars. , Molasses is a by-product of the sugar-refining process.
It is thick and dark, with a full, rich flavor.
It works well in baked goods and as a glaze on roasted winter squash or hams.
It can also be used to sweeten coffee for an earthy, caramel flavor.
Molasses, like many other natural sweeteners, comes in different colors which denote its depth of flavor. , Maple syrup, which is made from the sap of maple trees, is a natural sweetener with a full, spicy, earthy flavor.
While it may not be the most versatile sweetener available, it can help you create stand-out baked goods and even be a part of spicy, winter-themed cocktails. , Malt syrup is less rich than molasses, but not as mild or sweet as honey.
It works well in all manner of baked goods.
Maltose, which is the primary sugar present in barley malt, is very low on the glycemic index.
While malt syrup can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores, a wider variety of it will be available at home-brewing supply stores where it is sold for making beer. -
Step 3: Try using agave nectar as an all-purpose sweetener.
-
Step 4: Cook with molasses when you need a hearty
-
Step 5: full-flavored sweetener.
-
Step 6: Substitute maple syrup for refined sugars in baked goods.
-
Step 7: Use barley malt syrup when a low-glycemic measure is important.
Detailed Guide
Honey is the oldest and most natural sweetener available
- it is made by bees even without human intervention.
Honey is incredibly versatile, working well in tea, sauces, salad dressings, baked goods, and more.
Honey ranges in color and flavor based on the type of flower from which the bees get their nectar.
Clover honey is perhaps the most common, and is readily available in grocery stores.
Its mild flavor makes it incredibly versatile.
Orange blossom honey is also easy to find, and has a mild flavor with slight citrus notes.
It is just as versatile as clover honey, and works especially well when paired with citrus.
Buckwheat honey is a dark, full-flavored honey.
It is excellent in baked goods, where it imparts a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Fruit juices have a high level of natural sugars, and their sweetness can be amplified by reducing them.
This can done by simmering juice in a saucepan; an alternative is to buy fruit juice concentrate in the grocery store.
Fruit juice reductions work well in both sauces and baked goods, while also making an excellent natural dessert topping. , Agave nectar is made from the agave plant, known for its crucial role in preparing tequila.
It is as versatile as honey, working well in everything from cocktails to savory sauces.
Agave nectar has a low glycemic index measure, meaning it will not cause spikes in blood sugar levels like more refined sugars. , Molasses is a by-product of the sugar-refining process.
It is thick and dark, with a full, rich flavor.
It works well in baked goods and as a glaze on roasted winter squash or hams.
It can also be used to sweeten coffee for an earthy, caramel flavor.
Molasses, like many other natural sweeteners, comes in different colors which denote its depth of flavor. , Maple syrup, which is made from the sap of maple trees, is a natural sweetener with a full, spicy, earthy flavor.
While it may not be the most versatile sweetener available, it can help you create stand-out baked goods and even be a part of spicy, winter-themed cocktails. , Malt syrup is less rich than molasses, but not as mild or sweet as honey.
It works well in all manner of baked goods.
Maltose, which is the primary sugar present in barley malt, is very low on the glycemic index.
While malt syrup can be found in health food stores and some grocery stores, a wider variety of it will be available at home-brewing supply stores where it is sold for making beer.
About the Author
Shirley Bell
Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: