Jaggery (also known as gur) is an ingredient that is used in Indian cooking that is now being explored as an ingredient in the food industry. What is Jaggery? It is unrefined sugar that is created from raw, concentrated sugarcane juice that is boiled and then hardened. Because it is from sugarcane, it does have a sweet profile and comes in various Brix concentrations. Also, the darker the color, the more pronounced the flavor. There are multiple types of jaggery available including coconut palm and date palm but the most common is sugarcane jaggery.
Traditionally, jaggery is used for not only constipation relief and blood pressure support to respiratory conditions and even immune support due it containing many useful vitamins and minerals. There are many reasons jaggery can be used for these purposes. Because jaggery is a sugar (mostly sucrose, followed by fructose and glucose), it has carbs which can help you get energy when consumed. Depending on the source of the jaggery, it may also possess fiber which can aid in satiety and weight management as well with constipation. Jaggery also has many minerals including iron, magnesium, and potassium and may also contain small amounts calcium, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Today the food industry is trying to use jaggery for more than just its sweetener properties but also for its small amount of natural B12.
A quick way to consume jaggery is to add it to your hot tea instead of sugar and enjoy some of the health benefits but remember in the end it is still sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
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