Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of light brown cane sugar: Demerara sugar is a partially refined, coarse-grained sugar with a light golden-brown color and a subtle molasses flavor. It is produced from sugarcane, originally from the Demerara region of Guyana.

Usage

• As a noun (typically uncountable): Used to refer to this specific type of sugar, often for sweetening beverages or as a topping.
  • Add a teaspoon of demerara sugar to your coffee.
  • The recipe calls for demerara sugar for a richer flavor.

Advanced Usage

• In culinary contexts: Demerara sugar is prized for its texture and flavor. Its large, crunchy crystals make it ideal for sprinkling on top of baked goods like crumbles, muffins, or cookies before baking, where it adds a delightful crunch and caramel note.
  • For the perfect crumble topping, mix oats with butter and demerara sugar.

Variants and Related Words

• Demerara: Often used as a shortened form, especially in British English.
  • A spoonful of demerara, please.
• Turbinado sugar: A very similar product; turbinado sugar is also a minimally processed, light brown cane sugar with coarse crystals. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though they may originate from different production methods or regions.
• Brown sugar: A broader category that includes demerara. Brown sugar is typically softer and moister, often made by adding molasses back to refined white sugar.

Synonyms

• Raw cane sugar: A general term for sugars that are less processed than white sugar, retaining some molasses.
• Golden granulated sugar: A descriptive term sometimes used for similar products.

Notes on Meaning

• The key characteristics of demerara sugar are its light brown color, coarse, sparkling crystals, and mild molasses flavor. It is less moist than standard brown sugar.
• It is distinct from muscovado sugar, which is darker, softer, and has a much stronger molasses taste.

Noun

1. light brown cane sugar; originally from Guyana