Brown Sugar — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Brown sugar should be soft and moist with a fine, clumpy texture, essential for easy incorporation into recipes. The color should be a rich, light to dark brown, depending on whether it is light or dark brown sugar.

Avoid brown sugar that is hard or has large lumps that do not break apart easily, as it may have been exposed to air and lost its moisture. Also steer clear of any sugar that appears overly dry or gritty.

Brown sugar should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening. Keeping it in a cool, dry place helps maintain its moisture content and softness. Properly stored brown sugar can last for several months.

Exposure to air can cause brown sugar to become hard and clumpy, so this should be avoided. Storing it near heat sources can lead to drying out. Adding a piece of bread or a damp paper towel in the container can help maintain its moisture.

Brown sugar can last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If it becomes hard, it can be softened by adding a slice of bread or a damp paper towel to the container for a few hours.

Leftover brown sugar is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes. It’s perfect for baking cookies, cakes, and pies, and it adds a rich, molasses-like flavor to barbecue sauces, marinades, and glazes. Brown sugar can also be sprinkled on oatmeal or used to sweeten coffee or tea.

Beyond the kitchen, brown sugar has several practical uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with coconut oil to create a natural exfoliating scrub for the skin. Brown sugar can also help keep baked goods like cookies soft and fresh by placing a small amount in an airtight container with them. Additionally, it can be used to create a homemade bug trap; mix it with water and a little yeast to attract and trap fruit flies or gnats.