Rock sugar, a common sweetener, is often found in our kitchens and dinner tables. You may have noticed that rock candy on the market comes in two distinct colors: yellow and white. So, what exactly is the difference between these two colors of rock sugar?
First, let's start with how they are made**. White rock sugar, also known as single crystal rock sugar, is made after many processes such as refining, color removal and dehoneying. Most of the impurities and colors are removed from the production process, resulting in a pure white color. The yellow rock sugar, also known as polycrystalline rock sugar or old rock sugar, is relatively simple to make, and retains more of the original sugar and color, so it appears light yellow or amber.
In terms of nutrients, white rock sugar has a high purity because it has been refined many times, but it may also lose some of its original nutrients. Yellow rock sugar, on the other hand, contains some impurities, but it also retains more natural nutrients, such as minerals and trace elements.
In terms of taste, white rock sugar has a more direct and strong sweetness because of its high purity and fast dissolution. Yellow rock sugar, on the other hand, dissolves relatively slowly because it contains some impurities and sugar crystals, while the sweetness is softer and mellow, giving people a warm feeling.
In addition to the above points, yellow rock sugar and white rock sugar are also slightly different in use. Because of its high purity and quick dissolution, white rock sugar is more suitable for drinks and cooking that need to be dissolved quickly, such as rock sugar pear, rock sugar gourd, etc. Because of its mellow taste and rich nutrition, yellow rock sugar is more suitable for cooking methods that require slow cooking, such as braised pork, sweet and sour pork ribs, white rock sugar, etc.
In addition, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, yellow rock sugar is believed to have the effect of nourishing health, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, while white rock sugar is more used to clear heat and detoxify, moisten the lungs and relieve cough. Of course, these claims are not based on science, but are more based on traditional ideas and experience.
To sum up, although yellow rock sugar and white rock sugar are both common sweeteners, there are certain differences in the production process, nutrients, taste, use and traditional Chinese medicine perspective. In practical use, we can choose the right type of rock sugar according to specific cooking needs and taste preferences.
Whether it is white rock sugar or yellow rock sugar, they are an indispensable condiment in our daily life. While enjoying the food, we might as well learn more about the ingredients to make our lives more colorful. Hopefully, this article will help you better understand the differences between rock candy and add some new revelation and fun to your culinary and culinary journey.