Yes, unrefined cane sugar is often brown.
Unrefined cane sugar retains molasses, a byproduct of the sugar-making process. This molasses gives it a slightly brown color and a distinctive aroma. Unlike refined white sugar, which undergoes extensive processing to remove impurities, unrefined cane sugar keeps some of these natural elements.
Here's a quick breakdown:
- Refined Cane Sugar: White, highly processed, molasses removed.
- Unrefined Cane Sugar: Brown, less processed, molasses retained.
The brown color isn't the only difference. Unrefined cane sugar also contains trace minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and copper, which are lost during the refining process.
Therefore, while cane sugar can be white (when refined), the presence of molasses in unrefined cane sugar results in a characteristic brown color.
