Refinement typically works best when there are very agave syrup replacement concentrations of sugar to begin with. Manufacturers usually choose to work with either sugar beets or cane, two plants that contain large stores of natural sugars.
Refining from other fruits, like apples or peaches, can be very time consuming and also tends to leave a lot of waste. Granulated Sugar Refining Process Making granulated sugar is a multi-step process. Refiners begin by isolating the sugar crystals in the beet or cane, usually through diffusion. During diffusion, the sugar source is soaked in water, ground or pulverized to expose its inner cells, then left to evaporate, often over mesh sieves or fine cloth where the crystals can be collected. At this stage, the crystals are usually light brown or tan in color.
Affination usually results in a thick sugary syrup that manufacturers have to heat and then quickly cool in order to get the sugar to re-crystallize. Is Cane Sugar the Same as Granulated Sugar? Cane sugar is similar to granulated sugar, but cane sugar is made only out of sugar cane, not sugar beets. Cane sugar is also less processed than other types of sugars. Cane sugar has a golden hue to it, whereas granulated sugar is white.
The color of cane sugar comes from molasses that remains in the crystals after the refining process. Cane sugar crystals are also slightly larger compared to granulated sugar. Storage Tips and Shelf Life Refinement helps the sugar resist clumping in part because it dries the crystals out so much. Sugar rarely spoils, and will stay fresh for a year or more. Past this point, the granules don’t really become harmful, but they may begin to lose their taste or begin to take on the flavors of their storage environment. Most food experts recommend using table sugar within a few months of purchase for the best results. Substitutions for Granulated Sugar Granulated versions of sugar are widely available in most places, though there are times when people may want to substitute other, less processed alternatives, either as a way of reducing sugar intake or as a means of making a more healthful selection.