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- Medium-scale sugar processing can use either relatively low-cost labour
intensive open pan sulphitation (OP S) technology or modern vacuum pan (VP)
technology. Although OPS is a low-cost technology compared to VP technology it
still requires substantial capital investment in plant and equipment (for
further details see IT Technical Brief - OPS sugar processing). The following
brown sugars are normally produced using modern VP plants but could be produced
using OPS technology.
Demerara sugar
Named after the area in Guyana where it was first produced,
demerara is a centrifuged sugar prepared from the first crystallisation of cane
syrup and has large yellow crystals and a slightly sticky texture. Production
of this sugar is not suitable for the small sector as the juice needs to be
carefully clarified to ensure purity and crystalliser are required to ensure
uniform grain size.
Muscovado
Also known as Barbados sugar, muscovado is the product of
the third crystallisation. It is dark brown in colour with small grains and
sticky texture.
A by-product of both the OPS and VP scale of production, it
tends to be produced as an alternative to white sugar if the standard is not
very high.