Jaggery, an unrefined natural sweetener, has a deep rooted history that dates back to thousands of years. It is made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is used worldwide especially in SouthAsia, Africa and South America. Jaggery has many traditional names like Gur in India, Hakur in SriLanka, Panela in Latin America, Piloncillo in Mexico,Rapadura In Brazil are a few examples.
History of Jaggery
Ancient Origin
The history of Jaggery can be traced with its origin in India with mentions in Vedas like Rigveda 1500 BC – 1200 BC demonstrate the boiling of sugarcane juice to extract sticky substance. The oldest evidence of jaggery which dates back more than 3000 years was found in Indian religious texts.
Spread Of Jaggery Across The World
With time Jaggery traveled to other parts of the world like in 500 BC jaggery reached Persia (IRAN at present) and through the persian empire it reached to the Middle East. From the Middle East the Arab traders carried sugarcane to Africa and Spain. Thus spreading the natural sweetener globally.
Jaggery In Colonial Times
In colonial times, the spike in consumption of refined sugar was prominent, as colonials took keen interest in sugarcane plantation. Although jaggery remained a preferred sweetener especially in rural India, Africa and Latin America. In India, the British Colonial government promoted the sugar mills for production of Refined sugar.
Jaggery in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda Jaggery is considered as a natural sugar which heals the body and mind. Ayurveda classifies Jaggery as ushna (warming) and treats Vata and Kapha doshas. In Ayurveda jaggery is used in treatment of various health issues such as
Digestive Health Or Gut Health : You can eat jaggery directly post meals or with fennel seeds for better digestion. It prevents constipation and improves bowel movement. Therefore act as a gut cleanser
Respiratory Health : Jaggery with black pepper or ginger is a great way to ease off your coughs, colds and breathing issues naturally. Especially with the change of weather.
Detoxification : Jaggery is clearly mentioned as a blood purifier in vedas because it helps in liver detoxification which eventually cleanses the blood.
Immunity or Energy Booster : Jaggery is a type of carbohydrate mainly with minerals like iron that helps in fighting fatigue, lethargy and helps in curing iron deficiency anemia.
Traditional use of Jaggery
Ayurvedic benefits of Jaggery are :
Jaggery and Ghee for immunity and strength.
Jaggery with Sesame (Til) seeds for warmth.
Jaggery water for cooling effect to prevent heatstroke.
Traditional uses of Jaggery In Indian Culture :
Jaggery is used in many ways in Indian culture :
In festivals – used as sweetener and as a symbol of richness and attachment to rural values. It is a key ingredient in festivals like Makarsakranti and Ganesh chaturthi.
In marriages – sign of auspiciousness and prosperity.
Ancient sweeteners
Well jaggery is not the only natural sweetener used worldwide. Other natural ancient sweeteners which are healthy and used in different cultures as a substitute of sugar are as follows
Honey (source Bee) famous for its culinary and medicinal properties globally.
Molasses (source sugar cane or beet juice) widely used in Persia and Europe.
Maple syrup (source maple tree sap) indigenous American tribe used it as sweetener and medicine.
Date sugar or syrup (source dates) is a very popular sweetener in Mesopotamia and the Middle East.
Coconut sugar (source coconut) widely used in cooking this natural sweetener is very popular in Asian coastal regions.
Barley malt sugar (source Barely) used in China and Egypt as a sweetener and in fermentation of food.
Modern Day Significance of Jaggery
In modern times jaggery has taken the spotlight when it comes to replacing sugar. It is used widely in different aspects like :
Weight management – refined sugar are empty calories but jaggery has nutritional value due its high mineral content like iron, magnesium, potassium and others. So, replacing your regular sugar with jaggery is a nutritional choice. But needs to be taken in moderation.
Sports and fitness nutrition – used in pre and post workout drinks or meals for sustained energy needs.
Beverages – in many drinks white sugar is now replaced with organic jaggery powder.
Organic and Artisanal Products – new flavors of organic jaggery are introduced in the market like fennel n coconut jaggery, ginger, cardamom jaggery.
Immunity booster – due to high antioxidant level jaggery is very good in uplifting immunity.
Medicinal Uses – used in traditional pathies jaggery has great medicinal properties in the area of gut health, respiratory system, digestive system, and detoxification of the body.
Jaggery is truly an ancient natural sweetener which is being modified with modern times so that it can be included in day to day life. All over the world health enthusiasts and practitioners recommend jaggery as a safe and better replacement of table sugar.
