If there’s one thing that we could all probably do with cutting down on, it’s our sugar intake. Too much sugar can lead to all sorts of health problems, including obesity and diabetes According to NHS guidelines, adults should consume a maximum of 30 grams of sugar a day – the equivalent of 7 sugar cubes. However, with the amount of sugar in food and drink, sticking to the recommendations is not easy. Just one milkshake can contain three times your daily sugar limit and with such shocking levels of sugar in our everyday diet, it can seem an impossible task to reduce your sugar intake.
This is where innovative natural sugar company Bonraw comes in with it’s mission strives to get people eating better and sweeting better. Vegan-friendly, versatile and better for the environment, Bonraw has a sweet trio of natural sugar replacement products including Silverbirch, Panela and Coconut Blossom, which are all healthier and more beneficial to the body than standard refined sugars. The great thing about Bonraw sugars, is that they don’t just give you sweetness, but can benefit your health, and be used to flavour both sweet and savoury creations, adding a depth to your cooking that no other sugar can.
So what are the different types, what are they made of, and what are they used for?
Bonraw Silverbirch
The great thing about Silverbirch is that it looks and tastes exactly the same as refined white sugar. This means that die hard sugar lovers looking to reduce their sugar intake won’t feel like they’re straying too far from what they’re used to. Sourced from woody plants commonly known as Birch or Xylitol, this is a direct replacement for refined white sugar and it is actually good for the teeth. Yes, good for teeth! In fact, it’s the first sugar brand to be accredited by Sugarwise – the international authority on all things related to sugar. Sounds good? Well it gets even better. We’ve all tried sugar alternatives and sweeteners which give the desired kick on first trying and then hit you with a not so desirable aftertaste. Thankfully Bonraw’s Silverbirch eliminates this problem. It’s completely aftertaste free, and with no additives or bleaching, and 40% less calories than standard white sugar, what’s not to love? Not forgetting that it’s environmentally friendly, research has also shown that the nutritional properties may benefit skin, ageing, bone health and the gut. It’s the perfect sugar replacement, and can be used in all the ways you would normally use white sugar – tea, coffee, baking, sprinkling – it does it all!
Bonraw Panela
Panela, a decadent brown sugar which has a beautiful, rich, artisan feel about it. It’s appearance exudes luxury and depth which matches the taste perfectly. A raw, dried and responsibly sourced cane juice from small-scale local farmers in Colombia, it is handmade using the same traditional method that’s been used for centuries – extracting and dehydrating raw sugar cane juice. It provides a light, sweet molasses taste with intense caramel undertones making it a perfect substitute for just about any type of sugar. Certified organic, it is one of the most natural, nutritious cane sugars available. Whether you’re looking to create a sweet sauce for a stir fry, or shake up some home-made cocktails, Panela is a store cupboard must-have. Furthermore, as well as being a natural antioxidant, research suggests the nutritional properties may benefit the immune system, diabetes, prevent high blood pressure and strengthen bones. It’s a tub of many delights and award winning no less, securing a Great Taste Gold Award in 2020.
Bonraw Coconut Blossom
Last but not least in Bonraw’s repertoire, is their Coconut Blossom sugar. Made from the fresh sap of coconut blossom, the sap is heated turning it into a syrup before being crystallised into small granules. Recognised by the UN as the most sustainable sweetener in the world, Bonraw Coconut Blossom is sourced responsibly from farmers in Indonesia and is certified organic. Another Great Taste Gold 2020 award winner, Coconut Blossom sugar can be used as a direct replacement for brown sugars in baking and cooking. Due to its minimal processing, it retains many natural vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants. A true all round winner!
The Bonraw brand is a serious gamechanger in the world of sugar. Created by former Tate & Lyle employees Elpida Gailani and Tamas Fuzer in 2019, the aim was to shake up the artificial sweetener industry, creating a better alternative to what’s already out there. Bonraw is definitely worth trying out, and you never know, you might find that you never look back..
Get your Bonraw from Amazon, Booths, Holland & Barrett, John Lewis, Waitrose and Whole Foods Market, The entire range is available in fully recyclable 225g tubs and new 1kg pouches. Find out more on their socials @bonrawfoods
Want some sweet Bonraw-spiration? Have a go at some of these amazing recipes!
Bonraw Salted Panela and Pecan popcorn
This popcorn is a real Saturday night TV treat for all the family. If you’re making it ahead of time store in an airtight container so that it retains its crunchiness.
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 x 110g (4oz) bag microwave salted popcorn (or better still, pop your own kernels)
185g (6½oz) unsalted butter
380g (13½oz) BONRAW® Panela Sugar
110g (4oz) pecans, broken lengthways in half
You will also need a 2 baking trays lined with parchment paper.
HOW TO MAKE
Microwave the popcorn according to the pack instructions, discard any unpopped kernals, then have it ready in a heatproof bowl.
Next, combine the butter and sugar in a medium-sized non-stick pan over a low heat and stir continuously for 5 minutes, or until dissolved.
Bring to the boil and cook for 6-7 minutes, without stirring, until a rich, golden caramel. Test that it’s ready by dropping a small spoonful into a glass of ice-cold water and if firms up rapidly, it’s ready. Stir in the pecans and then carefully pour the caramel over the popcorn and, using two spoons, very quickly stir everything together before the caramel cools and sets. Tip out onto the prepared baking trays and leave to cool and harden. Break up into small clusters and serve in bowls.
Bonraw Bananachoc Bread
Preparation 20 MINS
Cooking 45 MINS
Servings 8
INGREDIENTS
225g plain flour
1tsp baking powder
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
1tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
4 very ripe bananas, mashed with a fork
3tbsp sour cream
1tsp vanilla extract
150g butter, softened
100g BONRAW® Coconut Blossom Sugar
50g BONRAW® Panela Sugar
3 eggs, beaten
75g dark chocolate – broken pieces
1tbsp runny honey
HOW TO MAKE
Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas Mark 3 and grease and line a loaf tin.
Sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon and salt together in a bowl, then set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the banana with the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Beat together the butter and BONRAW® Sugars with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between each addition. Finally add the flour mixture and mix thoroughly.
Fold in the banana and sour cream mixture, stir through the chocolate pieces, then spoon the mixture into the tin.
Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes.
Cool the cake in the tin for 10 minutes, then brush the top with honey. Leave for another 20 minutes, then carefully lift out and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
