Description

Golden syrup is a thick, amber-colored form of inverted sugar syrup, made in the process of refining sugar cane juice into sugar, or by treatment of a sugar solution with acid. It is made from sugar cane juice, which is evaporated to produce the flavor and texture of the syrup. Some call golden syrup nutty in flavor, and many praise its light yellow color. Often people feel it is sweeter than sugar. Using it as a sugar substitute should mean using a lesser amount. It is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts. It has an appearance similar to honey, and is often used as a substitute for people who do not eat honey. It can also be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Golden syrup is a popular sweetener in the UK, resembling corn syrup in its pouring ability. It is sometimes called light treacle and is an essential ingredient in the popular dessert, treacle tart. Golden syrup may also be used as a topping for hot cereal or for pancakes..

How to Select

Golden syrup is commercially available in stores. The golden syrup is usually sold in cans or in jars resembling large jelly jars. It tends not to be available in the bottle format in which most corn syrup brands are found in the US. The syrup can be naturally light in color which is often used in candy making or darker which is usually used for general baking purposes. Check the 'best before date' before buying.

Culinary uses

· Golden syrup is popular in baked goods, candy, frostings, jams, jellies, etc.
· Golden syrup can be used to make cookies, rice crispies, caramel snack mixes, nutritional bars, ice creams, sorbets.
· The syrup may be added in any cereal and had as a dessert or a healthy breakfast on the go with fruits.
· It is a common ingredient for chocolates, fudges, cakes and biscuits

How to store

Unlike the crystallized form of table sugar, golden syrup is primarily composed of sucrose, fructose, and glucose. This makes it easy to store without worrying that sudden cold temperatures in the house will cause hardness or crystallization of the syrup. Store golden syrup in tightly sealed containers at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Health Benefits

· Golden syrup can pose considerable risks to people who suffer from non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and postmenopausal women.
· And while it may be perfectly harmless to consume golden syrup in moderation, restrict eating too much of syrup containing cookies, candies and soft drinks. An easy and less expensive alternative to golden syrup would be to make a simple syrup out of sugar and water.