Piloncillo, 200gr

Piloncillo is a raw form of pure cane sugar that is commonly used in Mexican cooking and is sometimes referred to as Mexican brown sugar. This type of sugar has not been processed, leaving it with a golden brown colour and a deliciously rich flavor similar to molasses, although it does not have any molasses in it. Piloncillo, also known as panela and panocha, can be used in the same way other types of sweeteners are used.

Piloncillo is made by boiling down cane juice into a thick, crystalline syrup. It is then poured into cone-shaped molds where it is left to harden. The name piloncillo means “pylon” for its conical shape. It has an earthiness to it that has hints of both bitter and sweet.

Similar to brown sugar, there are two types of piloncillo available: blanco (light) and oscuro (dark). The blanco piloncillo will have a more subtle flavour while the oscura is richer and most like molasses. The cones are sold by the ounce and can be roughly four times the cost of brown sugar.

3.30

Out of stock

Description

As piloncillo is sometimes referred to as Mexican brown sugar, it is easy to think the two are the same. But these sugars are actually very different. Piloncillo is pure sugar with no additives, while brown sugar is made from refined white sugar. And though both are offered in light and dark varieties, what creates the two shades of brown in each sugar is very different. Blanco piloncillo is made from green sugarcane, while oscuro is made from purple sugarcane. Light and dark brown sugars, on the other hand, are distinguished by the amount of molasses added.

Their taste also differs: Piloncillo’s flavour is more intricate than brown sugar, with a deeper richness and more complex flavour profile. The texture of the two sugars is dissimilar as well; piloncillo is very hard, and brown sugar is soft and pliable.

Additional information

Weight 0.235 kg
Dimensions 5.5 × 2.5 × 11 cm