What is aguapanela in Colombia?

In Colombia it’s aguapanela. For the uninitiated, aguapanela is Colombian ‘tea’. It is made from panela, an unrefined sugarcane juice, which is boiled at a high temperature and then allowed to cristalize. Combine the crystalized sugarcane, hot water and lemon or milk and you have aguapanela.

What is aguapanela made of?

Aguapanela, agua de panela or agüepanela is a drink commonly found throughout South America and a few parts of Central America and Caribbean. Its literal translation means “panela water” as it is an infusion made from panela which is derived from hardened sugar cane juice.

What is agua de panela good for?

Aguapanela or Agua de Panela tanslates to “panela water” and is a traditional and popular Colombian drink. It can be served hot or cold. Aguapanela is used as a base for coffee, hot chocolate and mixed with lime juice as medicine for the flu 🙂 Cold Aguapanela with lime juice is great for hot summer days.

Is aguapanela alcoholic?

Canelazo is an alcoholic version of aguapanela with cinnamon and aguardiente added to it. Sugar is rubbed on the edges of the glass when served.

Is agua de panela healthy?

After all, Colombians are very much into sweets. If you’re feeling sick, many Colombians will quickly tell you to take Agua de Panela. They’ll say it is full of vitamins, minerals and proteins, and that it is a natural elixir for being and staying healthy.

How healthy is panela?

Panela is pure, unrefined, whole cane sugar that has been boiled in a total natural dehydration process. It’s mainly fructose (more useful to the body than sucrose) and much higher in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals than unrefined sugar because it isn’t chemically processed.

What is panela sugar?

Panela (Spanish pronunciation: [paˈnela]) or rapadura (Portuguese pronunciation: [ʁapaˈduɾɐ]) is an unrefined whole cane sugar, typical of Central and Latin America. It is a solid form of sucrose derived from the boiling and evaporation of sugarcane juice. Both of them are considered non-centrifugal cane sugars.

What is Colombian sugar?

Panela is a non-refined raw sugar made from pure dehydrated cane juice which is a traditional product in Colombia, being used as a general alternative to refined sugar.

Is Panela healthier than sugar?

Can I use panela instead of brown sugar?

Panela can be used as a 1:1 replacement for brown, white, and turbinado sugar in all kinds of beverages, baking, and cooking. It’s a welcome alternative in baking and other food products when you’re looking for a textural component with hints of caramel, molasses, raisin, and spice.

Is panela low GI?

Health claims Panela manufacturers and advocates claim the substance to be healthier than refined sugar, suggesting it has immunological benefits, a lower glycemic index, and higher micronutrient content.