What is that fancy brown sugar?

[Ozark_61]

In some fine cafe establishments, I've seen what looks like a wet brown sugar at the condiment station. Is this likely muscovado sugar? Do people here find much taste difference between it and the normal bleached sugar in espresso?

Geoff

[another_jim]

The wetness is likely to be from the heat making the molasses in the sugar separate. Sugar comes in every variant from molasses to full white, and even the fake brown sugar which is white sugar dyed brown, Which one was in your store I'm not sure about. Coffee fashions change, the latest I'm aware of is Turbinado, which is a half refined sugar that will not clump when granulated. Darker brown sugars usually come in irregular unmilled chunks or clumped granules, both of which are a bit inconvenient for cafe use. In any case, a bit of molasses will blend well with the basic coffee roast flavors, so brown sugars are nice for coffee.

[cannonfodder]

Most of the packets I have seen are of the small brown variety, 'Sugar In The Raw' brand. That is a Turbinado from Hawaii. Most mega-marts carry it in the packets and in bulk bags.

I enjoy it; I like the added hint the molasses adds, unless it is an exceptionally clean drink. Then the added molasses body detracts, but very rarely. It works well in tea also. I have been using Sugar Shots liquid Turbinado sugar. No stirring, instantly incorporates especially in cold drinks.