Brown sugar is a good alternative for white sugar. It is believed to be healthier due to the fact that it is not refined to a great extent. The distinctive brown color is correlated by the presence Molasses. The more Molasses in the sugar and the darker shade of brown the sugar is.
Brown sugar can be soft, and has more water than white sugar.. However, in the right conditions, it could last for an indefinite time. Because of the moisture content, it can lead to spoil. The majority of manufacturers provide the best-before date to be six months from the time you open the package of brown sugar.
However, if you wish to keep it more than 2 years, then how can you do it?
Storing brown sugar in the freezer can be an effective means of preserving its quality and prolonging its shelf life. By subjecting it to sub-zero temperatures, you can keep brown sugar fresh and flavorful for as long as 18 months, provided that you follow certain storage guidelines.
Brown sugar has a tendency to solidify into unyielding chunks, which is a result of the moisture evaporation from the sugar. However, by being vigilant and observing the right moment, one can revive the hardened sugar. To prevent it from becoming too tough and ensuring its softness until ready for utilization, the freezing of brown sugar is a useful strategy.
What is Freezing? Brown Sugar
“Chilling brown sugar may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple and can even be accomplished with the assistance of an 8-year-old child. However, caution must be exercised as their sugar intake may skyrocket and pose as a tempting indulgence.
The intricacies of preserving brown sugar are numerous and require a close eye to detail. Neglecting even the tiniest of nuances could result in the spoilage of the sweet treat or it acquiring an unfavorable taste. To avoid such mishaps, it’s imperative to pay close attention to the ease of freezing brown sugar, and make sure that every step is taken with care.
1. Finding the Right Container
When it comes to preserving the quality and longevity of brown sugar, it’s imperative to adopt a proper storage method. Freezing is a great option, but the vessel you choose to contain the sugar can make all the difference. To avoid a sugar storage disaster, it’s recommended to utilize either an airtight mason jar or mini Tupperware containers with a secure lid, or freezer bags that are guaranteed to seal in the freshness. Steer clear of the convenient packaging provided by supermarkets, as it is often lacking in its ability to preserve your brown sugar for an extended period.
It is imperative that you procure fresh airtight containers from the store if you are utilizing these types of containers. The frequent usage of the containers may lead to a decrease in their airtightness. Consequently, the airtight containers you possess at home may not perform optimally.
I suggested using small Tupperware containers since this allows you to freeze the sugar in smaller quantities and decrease the chance of capturing air inside the containers. The larger the container more risk of trapped air destroying brown sugar.
To ensure the longevity and optimal preservation of your brown sugar, it is advisable to transfer it from its original store-bought packaging into a container of your choice. Make sure to thoroughly eliminate any excess air within the container before securely sealing it, to prevent any detrimental oxidation or moisture absorption.
Second Step: Creating the ideal freezer space
Brown sugar is known to be a master at attracting and retaining other odors and tastes. This can lead to unpleasant surprises, such as your once sweet brown sugar becoming infused with the scent of garlic, onions, raw fish or meat. This could completely spoil your meal.
To prevent such flavor cross-contamination in your freezer, it’s important to properly store your brown sugar away from any other potent-smelling food items. Rearranging your freezer may be necessary to ensure the preservation of your brown sugar’s natural sweetness.
To keep track of your brown sugar’s storage time, it’s advisable to clearly label the container with the contents and the date of freezing. Adhering to this simple and meticulous practice will guarantee that your brown sugar stays fresh and flavorful, even after being frozen.
How to Make Use of Frozen Brown Sugar
Thawing frozen brown sugar is a delicate process, as the presence of ice crystals can impair the texture and quality of the sugar. To avoid this, it’s best to remove the brown sugar from the freezer and leave it on the counter, stirring it intermittently to ensure isolated pockets of moisture are dispersed. Another option is to reheat the frozen brown sugar, either in the microwave for 20 seconds at full power or in an oven preheated to 250°F until the sugar softens, though caution must be taken as the sugar will be scorchingly hot. It’s important to only heat the amount you need, as the sugar will re-harden once it cools. With its favored taste and versatility in cooking and baking, brown sugar is a valuable kitchen staple to keep on hand.
What is the reason Brown Sugar becomes hard?
As the delicate balance of moisture in brown sugar is disrupted, it transforms into a stubborn and rigid state. Refrigeration, with its swiftly evaporating atmosphere, only exacerbates the issue and leads to premature solidification.
The preservation of brown sugar is a crucial aspect of cooking and baking. To keep the sugar from solidifying, it’s crucial to keep it in containers that can prevent the entry of air. However, if you are unable to obtain airtight containers, a simple solution to this conundrum is to resort to using terracotta pieces specifically designed for preserving sugar. These pieces can be procured from your local store, at a modest cost of around $3 to 5. With this, you can keep your brown sugar in its required form, soft and ready for use at all times!
Furthermore, housing your brown sugar with hygroscopic food items, such as bread or apples, can also mitigate the hardening process. Though be aware, the brown sugar will absorb the flavors of the surrounding foods.
If you find yourself in a predicament with rock hard brown sugar, damp paper towels or a sprinkle of water can offer a temporary solution. However, the best course of action to ensure the longevity and spreadability of your brown sugar is to keep the air out.