What is Karupatti/Palm Jaggery 

Made from the freshly concentrated product of cane sugar and date palm tree, Karupatti (Palm Jaggery) is a treat to the taste buds. Making palm jaggery does not involve using any chemical agents; hence all the natural minerals are retained without preservatives. As a result, Karupatti has proven to have several health benefits.

How is Karupatti Made

The sap from palm saplings is extracted skillfully. The sap that oozes from the sapling is collected in earthen pots. The pots are coated with slaked lime to ensure that the sap does not ferment. Most of this activity takes place between January and May.

This unfermented juice is a great summer drink; locals call it padaneer. In smaller towns in Southern Tamil Nadu, it's not uncommon to see this drink served on palm leaves expertly folded into mugs.

The unfermented juice is filtered and boiled until it bubbles in iron vats. Once cooled, it is poured into moulds - most farms use coconut shells for the moulds. Once 'set' in these moulds, the karupatti is ready for consumption. You must be wondering, is Karupatti good for health? Let’s check!

Palm Jaggery Benefits

Nutritious

When ingested regularly, palm jaggery boosts haemoglobin and treats anaemia. It is high in magnesium and helps to regulate the neural system. Calcium contributes to the creation and maintenance of healthy bones. It also contains potassium, which improves heart health, relieves cramps, and has many other advantages. In addition, it strengthens the immune system, preventing a variety of blood-related and other diseases.

Performs Internal Body Cleansing 

It's a healthier alternative to white sugar that helps to cleanse the entire system. It removes toxins from every body region, including the respiratory tracts, stomach, lungs, and intestines, leaving you healthy.

Skin Nourishment 

Because jaggery is high in nutrients, it aids in the development of healthy and smooth skin. It also helps prevent pimples, wrinkles, and acne, resulting in naturally radiant skin. It also prevents dark spots and wrinkles, delaying the indications of ageing. So, instead of using cosmetics, women, try this natural remedy.

Digestion Improvement

Karupatti can help with digestive issues. It cures constipation and indigestion by controlling bowel movements and purifies the system by removing impurities. In addition, a medium-sized piece of jaggery keeps the stomach cool throughout the summer.

Boosts Energy 

Palm jaggery has a lot of compound carbs, which makes it easier to digest. Consumption daily releases energy, keeping you active and energised for hours. Include some Jaggery in your diet if you want a solid start for your day.

Beneficial in Pregnancy 

It has a lot of anti-oxidants in it. Karupatti not only inhibits cell damage and DNA degradation but also neutralises free radical activity. Palm jaggery protects the foetus from harmful health impacts during pregnancy. It's included within the diet starting in the seventh month to help with pregnancy issues.

Aids in Reducing Weight

It has a surprising amount of weight-loss potential. It helps maintain the electrolytic balance and reduces water retention because it is a potassium supplier. All of these factors combine to have a significant impact on weight loss. 

Helps Relieving Joint Pain

Karupatti benefits in strengthening the bones, which helps alleviate joint pain and other related conditions, including arthritis. In addition, it is high in calcium, which helps to improve and maintain bone health. For best results, experts recommend mixing jaggery with a pinch of ginger or a glass of milk.

Deals with Cough & Cold 

Adding Jaggery (Gur) to warm water or tea helps combat the symptoms of cold-related disorders. Take a pinch of jaggery the next time you're sneezing or coughing. It also aids in the treatment of chronic cough. In addition, the throat's soft tissues get relaxation by palm jaggery, which reduces throat irritation.

Karupatti Uses in Recipe 

1. In sweets, beverages, and curries, use this jaggery like you would sugar or cane jaggery.
2. Crush the jaggery with your fingers before adding it to the sauce if you're using it in a curry.
3. Liquid Palm Jaggery is delicious ice cream and toast topping or syrup. It goes well with Rotis and bhakris as well.
4. If you're creating a dish that calls for sugar syrup, you may easily substitute liquid jaggery for the sugar.
5. If you're using this jaggery in a hot milk beverage, wait until it's cool before adding it. The beverage will not split this way.

Karupatti V/s Jaggery 

The first difference between both is, that Karupatti is derived from the palm trees whereas Jaggery is obtained from the sugarcane. Normal jaggery is enjoyed in its crystalised form, having been prepared by boiling, churning, and sifting it using age-old processes. At the same time, karupatti is manufactured by extracting palm sap, which is then cooked and churned by hand.

Tips to Use and Store Karupatti 

Liquid Palm Jaggery: 

Keep liquid palm jaggery in an airtight container at all times. This jaggery should be stored in the refrigerator once opened. To remove the jaggery from the jar, always use a clean, dry spoon.

Palm Jaggery Blocks: 

We'll advise keeping blocks of Palm Jaggery in air tight sealed containers. Contact with moisture and air should be kept to a bare minimum. The jaggery is easy to crush. Even your fingers would be able to smash medium-sized bits of this jaggery. You can replace a piece of standard cane jaggery with palm jaggery.

Buy Traditional Karupatti at Sweet Karam Coffee

For all the sweet teeth out there do not worry about your sugar intake while you indulge in the delicious Karupatti or Palm Jaggery sweets. High in nutrition and best in taste, these sweets will take you back to the good old days and make you crave for one more piece! Jaggery Soan Barfi and Green Dal Ladoo are a must try!

Now stop worrying about how sugar adds too many calories to your body in one go. Instead, it's time to bid farewell to your regular sugar and welcome the new magical sweetener to your kitchen shelf.