Jaggery Gur

Jaggery (Gur)

Jaggery (Gur), is recognized as a natural sweet, is a treasure of taste as well as health.  Gud is processed from sugarcane juice by various methods. The process involves taking out the juice of sugarcane and thickening it until it becomes solid. The viscous solid turn golden or brown after drying is the Gur that we get. It contains almost 50 percent sucrose, glucose 20 percent, mineral liquid 22 percent and water content 8 percent.  Apart from these minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron is also present in Gur. Gur is considered to be a food ingredient that is digested quickly, blood and appetite enhancer.  It is produced in all countries with sugarcane as a major crop. However, it is produced largely in India and Sri Lanka.

Cooking and use:

Gur can be consumed directly or can be consumed with bread or chapatti. People who wish to reduce the sugar intake prefer gur over traditional sugar. It goes well with a cup of tea and other than as a sweetening agent it enhances the taste as well.  It has a wide range of recipes around the world, as can be used in dumplings, halwa, kheer, pudding, gulgule, etc. It is also popular for its unique dishes like sweet mango pickle and chikkis where gur is blended in groundnut that gives good energy and satisfy the hunger even if consumed in less quantity. It is usually stored in cool and dry container.

Health benefits of Gur/ Jaggery:

• Jaggery regulates body temperature and due to its anti-allergic properties, its intake is very beneficial for asthma patients.
• As it is loaded with minerals like zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium, it is beneficial in curing Anemia which is caused by a deficiency of zinc.
• Keeps us away from cough and cold for longer time, because of the presence of antioxidants and minerals it prevents diseases like flu, cold and cough and keeps skin healthy.
• It is a natural energy booster because gur is digested quickly and does not increase the sugar level rather increasing the energy level.
• It is good for bones, Phosphorus along with the Calcium present in Gur which helps strengthen the bones. Apart from this, regularly consuming ginger with a piece of jaggery does not cause joint pain in winter.