Sugar is a common sweetener found in every kitchen. Often called “table sugar”, it is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in many fruits and plants. Sugar is usually extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets.
Recent studies and research have shown that a large number of sugar samples are adulterated with washing soda or insoluble substances as chalk. But how to find out if your store-bought sugar is pure? Here are the definitive ways to test the purity of sugar.
3 Easy tests
WATER TEST
Take a glass of water. Dissolve 3 teaspoons of sugar in it. If the sugar is pure, there will be no sediment at the bottom of the glass. If it is adulterated, the solution turns white and the residue settles at the bottom of the glass indicating the presence of chalk.
COLOR TEST
Although a very lengthy timeframe to test its purity, pure sugar will not turn yellow when stored for a period of about 18 months.
ACID TEST
Though it may not be possible to do this test while purchasing, it’s important to be aware how pure the sugar is. Add a few drops of Hydrochloric acid to it. If it foams, then it’s an indication of adulterated sugar.
How to buy clean sugar?
While some prefer white processed sugar, there are healthy alternatives to your regular sweetener.
Palm sugar
Rich in vitamins and minerals, palm sugar has a low glycaemic index which ensures that blood sugar levels do not spike.
Coconut sugar
It contains antioxidants and healthy fats that help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar has molasses, the brown sugary syrup from the original sugar-making process. It is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
So the next time you purchase sugar, you’ll be sure it’s pure!
