Description
Hey there sugar lovers! We all know that irresistible craving for something sweet every now and then. It’s like a little party in our mouths that brings us back to the present moment, wide-eyed and grateful for life. But hold on a minute, not all things sweet are created equal. Our diets have been invaded by these sneaky culprits called Refined Sugars and their many disguises.
Now here’s the deal, the problem isn’t necessarily with the sweetness itself, but rather how it’s been messed with. You see, refined sugars have been stripped of their natural goodness, turning them into super-fast highways to our bloodstream and leading to a whole bunch of health issues. But fear not, my friends! Enter the heroes of unrefined sugars.
Unrefined sugars haven’t gone through that shady refining process, which means they still hold onto their natural nutrients, minerals, and fibers. Plus, because they’re in their pure state, they take their time to seep into your system. They’re like those slow-moving turtles who just can’t be rushed. And you know what? That actually makes them pretty awesome.
These slow movers belong to the Low Glycemic Index (or Low GI) family of unrefined sweeteners. We’re talking about bee honey, maple syrup, Kithul Treacle (fancy name alert!), and coconut treacle (also known as coconut syrup or coconut nectar). These sweet delights will satisfy your cravings without sending your blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride.
Coconut treacle is fast becoming a highly sought after natural sweetener. On one hand the world is falling in love with all things coconut. On the other, this truly is a very versatile syrup that can replace almost all other sweeteners.
Getting that Sweet Nectar
Goodfolks Organic Coconut treacle, also known as coconut syrup or coconut nectar, is obtained from the sap of the coconut palm tree. The process of obtaining coconut treacle involves tapping the flower buds of the coconut palm and collecting the sap, followed by heating the collected sap to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
Tapping means to make a careful cut on the coconut flower bud. To do this, farmers must climb the tall palm trees – so the process is quite unique (to all types of palm syrups). Once the cut has been made, a pale liquid begins to seep out as sap. These are collected carefully into suitable containers which stay attached to both the bud and the tree. Tapping usually happens in the early hours of the day as that’s when the sap is abundant. Once sufficient sap has been collected, they are brought to the processing factory (in our case an ISO and HACCP certified facility), for heating and evaporation.
The result is Coconut Treacle. Because each manufacturer has a different approach – as in the duration of the heating, the level of caramalization, etc, coconut treacle from different vendors, areas and even countries can vary in taste, colour and texture. Goodfolks Coconut Treacle is filtered prior to packing and can be kept on a shelf for up to 24 months or even longer (provided cool and dry storage conditions.)
Goodfolks natural coconut treacle is sourced from sustainable and organic plantations.
Well. Let's explain further.
Coconut treacle has a rich, complex flavor profile that combines the natural sweetness of coconut with caramel-like notes and a hint of nuttiness. The taste can vary depending on factors such as the variety of coconut palm, the region of production, and any processing methods used. Generally, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and depth, with a distinctive tropical flair.
Sweetness: Coconut treacle is notably sweet, but its sweetness is often more nuanced compared to refined sugars. It has a natural sweetness derived from the sugars present in the coconut palm sap, which include sucrose, fructose, and glucose. This natural sweetness contributes to its unique flavor profile.
Complexity: One of the most appealing aspects of our coconut treacle is its complexity. It offers layers of flavor beyond simple sweetness, including caramel-like undertones and subtle hints of ‘Coconutty’ richness. These complexities add depth and character to dishes and beverages where coconut treacle is used as a sweetening agent.
Texture: Goodfolks Coconut treacle has a viscous, syrupy texture that pours easily but has some thickness to it. It is similar in consistency to other liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This texture makes it versatile for use as a topping, drizzle, or ingredient in various recipes, where it can add both sweetness and moisture.
Color: The color of coconut treacle can range from golden amber to deep brown, depending on factors such as the age of the coconut palm sap and any processing or caramelization techniques used during production. The color variations often indicate differences in flavor intensity and depth. Goodfolks Coconut Treacle leans on the darker, intense end of the spectrum.
Goodfolks Coconut Treacle has been described as dark, thick and mysterious. It’s time for you to be the judge.
Use and Health Benefits
Here’s how you can use Goodfolks Organic Coconut Treacle
- Sweetening: Use in recipes such as desserts, baked goods, and beverages
- Toppings: Drizzle coconut treacle over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, yogurt, or fruit salads
- Marinades and Sauces: Incorporate into marinades for meat, seafood, or tofu, or use it as a base for sauces and dressings to add depth and complexity to savoury dishes
- Glazing: Brush coconut treacle onto roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or tofu during cooking to create a caramelized glaze
- Beverages: Stir coconut treacle into hot or cold beverages such as coffee, tea, smoothies, or cocktails to add sweetness and tropical flair
- Dipping Sauce: Serve coconut treacle as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or fried snacks for a sweet and savoury combination
- Baking: Use as a natural sweetener in recipes for cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread, adding moisture and flavor to baked goods
- Flavoring: Infuse coconut treacle with herbs, spices, or citrus zest to create custom flavor variations for use in cooking, baking, or beverages
- Salad Dressings: Whisk coconut treacle with vinegar, oil, and seasonings to create homemade salad dressings with a hint of sweetness and tropical aroma
- Snacks: Drizzle coconut treacle over popcorn, nuts, or granola for a sweet and crunchy snack, or use it as a binder for homemade energy bars or granola clusters
Oh and there are loads of health benefits too. Here are a few:
- Nutrient-Rich: Believed to contain various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including potassium, iron, and vitamin C
- Low Glycemic Index: Compared to refined sugars, coconut treacle typically has a lower glycemic index, which means it may cause a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for those managing their blood sugar levels
- Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs): Such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid, which are believed to have potential health benefits, including supporting heart health, boosting metabolism, and providing a quick source of energy
- Antioxidant Properties: Believed to contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress
- Improved Digestive Health: The natural sugars and fiber may support digestive health by promoting regularity, aiding in the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and reducing the risk of digestive issues
- Hydration: May help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating during physical activity or in hot weather. It can be used as a natural sweetener in homemade sports drinks or added to smoothies for hydration and energy
- Overall Well-Being: Incorporating coconut treacle into your diet in moderation as a natural sweetener can contribute to overall well-being by providing a delicious and nutritious alternative to refined sugars and adding variety to your diet.
