Last week we revealed our four newest flavors (Mocha Maca Crunch, Luna Berry Swirl, Ginger Cookie Caramel, and Chocolate Walnut Brownie), which all feature Coconut Sugar.  Since then we've been getting lots of questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages from fans asking about this new sweetener.  So here's the lowdown for all you foodies, healthy eaters, and non-dairy ice cream lovers out there.  We're sure that you'll be convinced and excited too about this delicious and sustainable sweetener.

Photo courtesy of www.coconutworld.com.

Why Coconut Sugar?  Over the last year or so we had a lot of feedback from customers asking why we don't use other sweeteners instead of Agave.  In conjunction with furthering our research into Agave and visiting our producers in Mexico (see blog post "The Lowdown on Agave Nectar"), Luna & Larry began making test batches with a slew of alternative sweeteners from coconut sugar, maple syrup, stevia, lucuma, jacon syrup, and different blends of those.  The results were interesting, but ultimately we realized that agave nectar is the best choice of sweetener in Coconut Bliss, not only for it's clean taste but for it's health benefits.  However, we loved the interesting flavor and benefits of Coconut Sugar especially....so Luna & Larry focused their efforts on creating the perfect harmonious blend of our original base of Coconut Milk and Agave, complemented by Coconut Sugar.

Flavor- Coconut Sugar has a golden amber color, and somewhat resembles a drier version of brown sugar.  The flavor is also similar, although it has more pronounced caramel and butterscotch notes, with a much deeper and rich flavor.  It's inherent savory notes help to balance out the sweetness.  It works especially well in the new Pamela's Products cookies and brownies featured in Chocolate Walnut Brownie and Ginger Cookie Caramel.  If you want some more good recipe ideas for Coconut Sugar check out this link.

Health Benefits- Our Coconut Sugar is 100% organic, minimally processed, unbleached and unfiltered, and contains no preservatives.  Coconut Sugar is also naturally low on the Glycemic Index (see Coconut Palm Sugar Glycemic Index Explained) (rated at GI-35).  By comparison, cane sugars are GI-68 (agave in Coconut Bliss is GI-17).  Coconut Sugar produces a slow energy release, avoiding the "highs" and "lows" usually experienced with cane sugar. 

Luna & Larry were particularly excited because Coconut Sugar has the highest nutritional content than all other commercially available sweeteners.  It is rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron, and is a natural source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and Vitamin C. 

Sourcing- Coconut Bliss has always sourced fair trade and the best quality ingredients possible, and Coconut Sugar is certainly no exception.  We source from two suppliers, which purchase from small farmers on the islands of Java, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.  The farmers grow a biodiversity of crops, and Coconuts are a staple of this landscape.  They enrich the soil, preserve water, and sustain the local bioregions and communities for generations to come.  Our suppliers work directly with international NGO's to create transparent and fair supply chains, are directly involved in developing farmer cooperatives, value added producer programs, market access, and small business management.  Smallholder "sugar-tappers" have risen well above the poverty line, increased their personal income by 200%, and maintain a competitive price as an alternative to cane sugar.

Sustainable- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has reported that Coconut Palm Sweeteners are the single most sustainable sweeteners in the world! 

Tropical palms are ecologically beneficial as crops because they grow in diverse, wildlife supportive agro-ecosystems that restore soils and require very little water.  Coconut palms especially can grow in severly compromised soils, can survive droughts, and still produce.  Many traditional communities regard coconut palms as the "Tree of Life", because they provide a variety of products for sustenance and livelihood.  The production of Coconut Sugar has the highest potential for farmers getting fair economic value, while creating a net benefit to their community and environment. Visit Coconut World for more information.