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It seems like most sugar sold in the US is cane sugar. Not surprising, since many US regions have the climate for growing sugarcane. Some time ago, I found out about beet sugar. I even tried it, and really liked the taste and texture. It's hard to describe; it's sweet, obviously, but tastes different than cane sugar made by Domino et al. It's a bit more delicate, I'd say. The texture is also coarser and crunchier than what I'm used to, a lot like kosher salt. When I tried it, it went really well on cut-up fruit. It'd probably not go well in coffee, since the coffee would overpower it. I'm aware that in Europe, beet sugar is more common than cane sugar, the reverse of the US. Because climate.
Now, where can I buy some beet sugar? I live in Chicago, and have access to high-end supermarkets, like Mariano's and Heinen's, but I haven't paid close attention there, and therefore don't remember seeing it. Do they sell beet sugar only in specialty or health food stores?
I'm looking to spend between $2 and $10 on a regular-sized bag, box, or canister. No Costco-style bulk containers. And I'd prefer not turn to Amazon, either, unless there are no other options.
We get beet sugar from Russian/European specialty grocery stores. I try not to use added sugar but DW puts it in her coffee. I would think the Ukrainian part of Chicago will have what you want.
It seems like most sugar sold in the US is cane sugar. Not surprising, since many US regions have the climate for growing sugarcane. Some time ago, I found out about beet sugar. I even tried it, and really liked the taste and texture. It's hard to describe; it's sweet, obviously, but tastes different than cane sugar made by Domino et al. It's a bit more delicate, I'd say. The texture is also coarser and crunchier than what I'm used to, a lot like kosher salt. When I tried it, it went really well on cut-up fruit. It'd probably not go well in coffee, since the coffee would overpower it. I'm aware that in Europe, beet sugar is more common than cane sugar, the reverse of the US. Because climate.
Now, where can I buy some beet sugar? I live in Chicago, and have access to high-end supermarkets, like Mariano's and Heinen's, but I haven't paid close attention there, and therefore don't remember seeing it. Do they sell beet sugar only in specialty or health food stores?
I'm looking to spend between $2 and $10 on a regular-sized bag, box, or canister. No Costco-style bulk containers. And I'd prefer not turn to Amazon, either, unless there are no other options.
When you find it, shouldn't be any cost difference than cane sugar. The difference is in baking. Beet sugar doesn't bake as well, and sweet doughs you need to stretch out will snap and break instead of stretch.
When you find it, shouldn't be any cost difference than cane sugar. The difference is in baking. Beet sugar doesn't bake as well, and sweet doughs you need to stretch out will snap and break instead of stretch.
I didn't know that, but thanks for pointing it out. Last time I used beet sugar, I put it on cut-up fruit, and it was really good. But I'll remember not to use it in baking recipes now.
Don't know what you're talking about when you say that most sugar produced in the U.S. is cane sugar. The USDA says that 55% of all sugar produced in the US is from sugar beets and that sugar cane only grows in four states in the south.
yes, over half (55%) of all sugar produced in the US is from sugar beets.
Beet sugar and cane sugar are chemically identical. So is the taste. Since cane sugar has maintained its reputation as better, you may assume that sugar which is not identified by source is beet sugar.
There are beet sugars marketed as such. Waste your money if you wish. The taste difference is in your imagination. The only actual taste differences in sugars are a result of refining or processing. For example, brown sugar is refined white sugar with molasses added.
I think they just finished the sugar beet harvest up in North Dakota.
I follow their facebook page. I was fascinated by the process when I was up at Grand Forks air force base and was told that people would take leave to work the harvest.
The local radio station would broadcast the sugar content of each days harvest. So no, sugar beets are very much used here in the USA.
Beet sugar and cane sugar are chemically identical. So is the taste. Since cane sugar has maintained its reputation as better, you may assume that sugar which is not identified by source is beet sugar.
There are beet sugars marketed as such. Waste your money if you wish. The taste difference is in your imagination. The only actual taste differences in sugars are a result of refining or processing. For example, brown sugar is refined white sugar with molasses added.
I agree with this. It is my understanding that anything not labled as cane sugar is beet sugar. Usually the generic/less expensive brands.
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