Health Benefits of Jaggery Powder
Jaggery powder is becoming a very popular replacement for sugar these days. This is mainly due to the remarkable benefits they offer on the overall health and appearance of an individual. Due to these amazing properties, jaggery powder has been a part of many Ayurvedic medical practices and cures for centuries. They hold a rich tradition and a special place in the hearts of many people. Here you will find some comprehensive information on jaggery powder and why you should consider using it instead of sugar.
What is Jaggery?
Jaggery is an unrefined sugar product mainly produced in Asian and African countries. It is considered a superfood due to the amazing health benefits it offers. It is not just an ingredient used in the preparation of different foods, but also a natural sweetener that can provide many nutrients to your body. It is perfect for people who are looking to consume low-calorie foods. About 70% of the world's jaggery production takes place in India.
How is Jaggery made?
Jaggery is commonly made using sugar cane, however, there are also jaggery products made using palm sugar. They are commonly made using traditional methods of pressing and distilling sugar cane or palm. The whole process includes three methods which are the extraction, clarification, and concentration of the juice. During the process, the jaggery is stirred to skim the impurities. Once it is stirred and cleaned, the dough-like jaggery paste is poured into molds and kept for cooling to make jaggery. The color of jaggery can range from golden to dark brown.
Why is jaggery more Nutritious than Sugar?
Jaggery contains more nutrients than the normal table sugar available in the markets. This is mainly because of molasses, a nutritious by-product of sugar. Molasses add micronutrients. Jaggery may also contain some amounts of vitamin B as well as minerals including calcium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. Therefore, compared to refined sugar, jaggery is nutritious and healthy for the body.
Benefits of Using Jaggery Powder:
Simple Recipes to Try
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour: 2 cups
- Water: as needed
- Jaggery powder: 1 cup
- Ghee (clarified butter): for cooking
Instructions:
Knead the whole wheat flour with water to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a small circle. Place a tablespoon of jaggery powder in the center of each circle and fold the edges to seal the jaggery inside. Roll out each stuffed ball into a paratha (flatbread) using a rolling pin. Heat a griddle or tawa and cook each paratha with a little ghee until golden brown on both sides. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet and savory flavor of gur ka paratha!
- Jaggery Rice:
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice: 1 cup (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- Water: 2 cups
- Jaggery powder: ½ cup
- Cardamom pods: 2-3 (crushed)
- Ghee (clarified butter): 2 tablespoons
- Assorted nuts and raisins: for garnish
Instructions:
In a pot, bring water to a boil and add soaked rice along with crushed cardamom pods. Cook the rice until it's 80% done, then drain excess water and keep aside. In another pan, heat ghee and add jaggery powder. Stir until the jaggery melts and forms a syrup. Add the cooked rice to the jaggery syrup and mix gently until the rice is well coated. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and infused with the jaggery flavor. Garnish with assorted nuts and raisins before serving warm.
- Gur Ki Kheer (Jaggery Rice Pudding):
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice: ½ cup (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- Milk: 1 liter
- Jaggery powder: ½ cup
- Cardamom powder: ½ teaspoon
- Assorted nuts: for garnish
Instructions:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring milk to a boil. Add soaked rice and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the milk reduces to a thick consistency. Add jaggery powder and cardamom powder to the kheer and mix well until the jaggery dissolves completely. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the kheer thickens further. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with assorted nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Serve warm or chilled as per preference.
Conclusion
You can enjoy all the above-mentioned benefits when replacing sugar with jaggery powder at home. If you are looking for an option to buy good quality jaggery powder online, Healthy Master is the right choice for you. We are a premier provider of organic Jaggery Powder. Expertly processed from pure cane juice, our jaggery powder is rich in essential minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, offering a plethora of health benefits.
A non-GMO, natural sweetener, our jaggery powder is devoid of artificial coloring and genetically modified organisms. Its sweetness is derived from natural sugars like dextrose, fructose, and sucrose. The fermentation process during production enhances its functional value, resulting in lower calorie levels and positive effects on blood sugar levels.
Experience the Benefits Order Organic Jaggery online from Healthy Master and avail great discounts, ensuring a wholesome addition to your dietary regimen.