Grocery · 908 g
Unrefined Whole Cane Sugar
What it is
This is a traditional unrefined whole cane sugar, often called piloncillo or jaggery in other cultures. It is made by evaporating the water from fresh sugarcane juice. The resulting solid is then molded into cones or blocks.
How people cook with it
It is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
- Sweetening beverages
- Flavoring baked goods
- Glazing meats
- Making sauces
To use, you will typically need to grate or shave off the amount you need from the block or cone. The solid form makes it easy to control the quantity. It can be dissolved in liquids for use in drinks like coffee or tea, or melted and incorporated into sauces and marinades. Its natural caramel notes also make it a wonderful addition to baked items, providing a depth of flavor that refined sugars do not offer. It's also excellent for creating traditional sweet treats.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike refined white sugar, panela is not processed to remove molasses. This gives it a richer, more complex flavor profile with notes of caramel and a slight earthiness.
Who it is for
Home cooks and bakers looking for a natural sweetener with a unique flavor.
How to keep the rest
Store the remaining panela in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It can become hard over time, but this does not affect its quality. If it becomes too hard, you can often soften it by placing it in a damp cloth for a day or two.