We frequently write articles on super foods. Always trying to bring attention to the great nourishment available around us. We consider ourselves proud that we have a platform to create awareness and enable our Sheva Fresh family and many of our readers to take informed decisions.
In a recent conversation we got the idea/ topic about our next blog. In this blog we are planning to highlight a superfood which many of us are unaware and many seek to know more about an underrated jewels used in the Indian cuisine - The Palm Jaggery. So without further ado...…
I give you His Majesty the King of all Sweeteners …PALM JAGGERY
What is this PALM JAGGERY?
Palm Jaggery is unique and an exclusive jaggery prepared from the sap extract of palm/ palmyra tree, popularly known as Toddy Tree i.e. ताडगोळ्याचे झाड in Maharashtra. This jaggery has all the goodness you can imagine in a great nutritional super food. Palm jaggery is loaded with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, iron, etc.
Palm Jaggery has the least carbon footprint and the best for our nature so you can feel guiltfree while consuming Palm Jaggery. As palm trees require minimum water for their growth and they restore the damaged soil.
How is PALM JAGGERY made?
Palm jaggery is made from the extract of Palm trees (also known as Tody palm tress) in Central and Southern India. Tapping is done daily twice once in the morning and evening. The flower head branch is sliced to exude sap. This sap is collected in earthen pots
The Jaggery is processed from the unfermented Palmyra tree sap which is generally collected before sunrise.
This collected nectar is sweet and translucent in colour and has an intense, earthy taste. The sap is heated for at about 120 degree C to form concentrated Sap and once the sap is cooled we obtain Palm Jaggery. Palm jaggery obtained after processing is darker and richer in colour.
Nutritional composition of palm Jaggery :
Protein - 0.35%
Minerals - 0.74%
Carbohydrates - 90.60%
Calcium - 84 (mg/100 gm)
Phosphorus - 0.06%
Iron - 2.5 (mg/gm),
Vitamin B3 - 5.24 (mg/100 gm)
Vitamin B1 - 24.0 (mg/100 gm)
Vitamin B2 - 432.0 (mg/100 gm)
Vitamin C - 11.04 (mg/100 gm)
Benefits of palm Jaggery :
Rich source of Minerals: Palm Jaggery has over 60 times more minerals than white sugar. It is packed with Vitamins and minerals.
Good digestive Agent: It is a cooling agent for the stomach. Thus, palm jaggery activates digestive enzymes and aids healthy gut.
Skin Nourishment: The elements present in Palm Jaggery is beneficial in nourishing the skin.
Good Energy: As Palm Jaggery is loaded with Proteins, Minerals like Iron, Phosphorous and Calcium and multi-vitamins like Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin C.
Instant Energy: As Palm jaggery is rich in carb compounds which are easier to digest. Consumption of Palm Jaggery will keep you energised and active.
Where do can you use PALM JAGGERY?
You can add Palm Jaggery as a healthy substitute to your deserts and sweeteners.
Palm Jaggery can be added to your green teas
Palm Jaggery can be added to lentils
Add Palm Jaggery to your masala chai and enjoy a steaming cup of chai
Substitute your regular sweetener with Palm Jaggery in puddings, pancakes and biscuits
( Note: Palm sugar is a natural sweetener and should be consumed moderately. In case you are having any medical condition or taking prescription medicine or if any side effects please consult your physician and/or dietician before consumption)
How to store palm jaggery?
It is advised to store Palm Jaggery mini cubes in air tight sealed containers. Contact with air and moisture should be kept to a bare minimum.
So without further delay incorporate health Palm Jaggery in your diet and enjoy the benefits it offers.
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