Jaggery, also known as Gur, is made from sugarcane, coconut juice, date palm and has various health benefits. Native to India, jaggery is used in various Indian dishes to add taste and texture. You can easily buy jaggery at an online Indian grocery store today.

Jaggery and sugar are the same in calorific content, but they both differ in the nutritional sense. And as a result, even diabetic sufferers can consume jaggery without any hesitations. 

 

There has always been a war between sugar and jaggery. Let us explore and understand why jaggery is the best alternative to sugar. But first, let us have a look at the difference between jaggery and sugar.

 

Sugar VS Jaggery

 

Despite extracted from the same source, both are processed differently and have different textures and colors. Sugar is a white transparent crystal, while jaggery is a golden or dark brown solid. 

 

In terms of texture, jaggery is semi-solid and soft, while sugar is a hard solid crystal. 

 

Both the items are composed of sugarcane juice but are prepared differently. In the case of sugar, the sugarcane syrup is mixed with charcoal to grasp the unwanted shreds to give it a translucent look. The substance is then crystallized to form sugar. On the other hand, when the sugarcane syrup is boiled for a long time it results in a thick paste known as jaggery. 

 

Sugar undergoes a harsh manufacturing process where it loses its nutritional value. Whereas jaggery succeeds in retaining elements like fiber, iron, and other salts. 

Health benefits of jaggery

1. Prevents asthma and bronchitis

Jaggery helps in preventing various heart diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. It is an anti-allergy substance that regulates and maintains body temperature. Doctors and physicians heavily recommend jaggery instead of sugar to people suffering from heart and respiratory problems. 

2. Rich in minerals

Jaggery contains various essential minerals and antioxidants such as zinc, potassium, iron, calcium. These components enhance immunity and prevent various comprehensive wound.

3. Better metabolism

Jaggery maintains the water level in the human body and helps in losing excessive body weight. Moreover, the high quantity of potassium enhances the metabolism and sustains the electrolyte equilibrium. 

4. Good for blood

Being rich in folate and iron, jaggery counters diseases like anemia and fatigue. A large number of women in India consume jaggery after childbirth to increase their hemoglobin. 

5. Enhances digestion

Jaggery helps in improving digestion by spurring the flow of digestive ferments. Regular consumption of jaggery may help in stimulating the digestion process, bowel actions. It also prevents problems such as constipation and abdominal worm. The high magnesium strengthens and protects the intestine. 

Now after knowing the health benefits of jaggery, let us explore some of the famous Indian jaggery recipes. You can order it today from an online Indian grocery store in Toronto.

 

1 – Jaggery roti/ chapati

Also known as Gur ki roti, is made by adding jaggery to the wheat flour. The flour is mixed with the mixture of gur and milk and then coated with ghee. You can enjoy the sweet roti in your breakfast or evening snacks. 

2 – Khatti Meethi Phaliyan

Stir-fried seeds rolled with tamarind, jaggery, and a spicy coconut stew. The easy to make Gujarati dish is slightly sweet, tangy, and salty. You can have it in your breakfast or can serve it to your guest. 

3 – Jaggery rice 

Jaggery rice is a sweet rice dish also known as gur k chawal. Garnished with dry fruits such as almonds and cashews, the rice is loved by people who are fond of sweets. 

4 – Carrot Gojju

The delicious sweet carrot gojju is simmered with jaggery, coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves. Impress your friends and family by preparing delicious carrot gojju for them.