Sugar, an integral part of Indian culinary traditions, weaves a delightful tale of cultural significance that resonates throughout the diverse tapestry of Indian customs. As we approach the festive season, sugar takes centre stage, symbolizing joy, abundance, and a collective sense of delight.
Sugar plays a foundational role in adding sweetness to delectable sweets and desserts while striking a harmonious balance with the spices and flavours that define savoury Indian dishes.
In Gujarat, the vibrant Navratri festivities feature the delightful Surti Ghari amongst a host of other delectable sweets, while Delhi’s Diwali celebrations are incomplete without the fragrant and crispy Jalebi. In Kolkata, Durga Puja revelries herald the arrival of sweet Sandesh, while Lucknow’s Nawabi feasts showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Malai Gilori. Ludhiana’s Lohri festivities are sweetened with the traditional Rewdi, and central and north India’s Holi is synonymous with the aromatic Gujiya and Karanji. These recipes showcase India’s rich culinary past, symbolizing how the social fabric of diverse religious beliefs is bonded by the sweet essence of sugar, making the delicacy sweet and relationships, even sweeter.
As we embark on the festive season, it is imperative that the indulgence in sugary delights be balanced with hygiene and safety. Thankfully, many of us are now watchful of just how much sugar and fats we consume. We also now prefer cooking most sweets at home, knowing it to be healthier as compared to outside foods. However, what continues to get missed out is the quality of ingredients we bring home to cook the sweets! Loose sugar, like loose of anything is exposed to dust, pests, unclean hands and all kinds of pollutants in the kirana shops! Just like we do not eat food left open even inside our houses for a day, we should strictly avoid foods like sugar, dals, aata, etc. that are left open for months in the shops!
Packaged sugar offers an unparalleled level of hygiene. This hygiene assurance is particularly crucial during moments of celebration and joy. Thanks to its rigorous quality control procedures and secure packaging, packaged sugar ensures that every granule is free from potential contaminants. Also, popular brands like Madhur Sugar, which is India’s no. 1 selling brand of sugar, not only ensure that the sugar is untouched by human hand from factory to plate, but also ensure that the sugar is atleast 99.9% sucrose – leaving no room for adulterants. Some cheaper sugar, especially in loose, at times are also made using older sulphitation process, which leaves higher quantities of sulphur in the sugar – a classic sign of which, is that the sugar is dull in color, and progressively gets yellowish as months pass.
Furthermore, the sealed packaging of packaged sugar acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture, dust, and other contaminants from compromising its quality. This not only preserves the sugar’s taste and texture but also guarantees its purity, ensuring that your culinary creations are not only delicious but also safe to consume.
During festive gatherings and celebrations, when the exchange of sweets is a cherished tradition, the use of packaged sugar adds an extra layer of assurance. You can be confident that the sweets you share with your loved ones are made with sugar that meets stringent cleanliness standards.
