Only eight islands in Japan produce Okinawan brown sugar, or kokuto, a raw smoky sugar that is made by slow-cooking sugarcane juice in a centuries-old production method protected by the Okinawa Prefecture. It is smoky and intense, with a tobacco-like aroma and a perfect balance of sweet and bitterness. The Japanese sugarcane imparts a slight fruity aftertaste, and its naturally high mineral content is not only healthier for you but also translates into complex warming spice notes. Use Okinawan brown sugar as a smoky alternative to dark brown sugar, or take advantage of its spicy, bitter notes to add depth to savory recipes. Try it in rich meat braises, swapping out some of the molasses in our Sweet Soy-Braised Pork—it pairs wonderfully with the umami of soy sauce. Similarly, try it in recipes with fish sauce, such as our Stir-Fried Beef and Ginger with Garlic and Scallions or Stir-Fried Black Pepper Chicken with Green Beans; in both cases, substitute an equal amount of Okinawan brown sugar for the white sugar the recipe calls for.

• Net Weight: 500 grams
• Ingredients: Cane sugar
• Place of Origin: Hateruma Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

Conventional brown sugar is simply white, refined sugar moistened with molasses. On the other hand, raw muscovado sugar has a rich, earthy and almost smoky flavor, as well as a high molasses content. India Tree’s moist-textured variety, processed in Mauritius, can be substituted for dark brown sugar in any recipe (we tested this) or used to add extra flavor to coffee, tea or cocktails (perfect in an Old Fashioned). Try muscovado sugar in blondies or gingerbread for extra dimension, or showcase its complex flavor in our Brown Sugar Tart. Its earthiness works great in savory applications, too, especially in rich meat dishes such as our Colombian Braised Beef (Posta Negra).

• Net Weight: 1 pound
• Ingredients: Unrefined brown sugar, molasses
• Certifications: Kosher, fair trade

Panela is an unrefined sugar from Colombia that boasts a warm, earthy flavor and a surprisingly bright aroma reminiscent of dried fruit. Think of it as a light brown sugar with more mineral-rich complexity. It’s a natural match for anything chocolate (ideal for brownies or chocolate-chip cookies), as well as a perfect counterpoint for the tartness of berries. We also like to pair panela’s warm flavor with naturally nutty oats: Sprinkle it over oatmeal with a handful of chopped walnuts and cinnamon, or use it in our Sesame-Oat Crumble.

Panela's bittersweetness also does well in savory applications, like a pot of Mexican beans or as a counterpoint for the acid in tomato-based pasta sauces. Or use panela in place of agave to temper the chili heat in our Ancho Chili Soup or our Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce.

• Net Weight: 1 pound and 5 pound bags available
• Ingredients: Organic dehydrated cane sugar
• Certifications: Organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO

Organic jaggery is a raw, unprocessed Indian sugar produced from unfiltered sugarcane juice. We love this one from Pure Indian Foods for its deep, earthy flavor—reminiscent of maple and caramel—and its moist, almost creamy, yet crumbly texture. The family-owned company traces its roots to 1889 in northern India and sources pantry staples have a complexity and authenticity that just can’t be imitated. Use jaggery as an all-purpose sweetener; it pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice and cardamom or with anything coconut or citrus.

• Net Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Ingredients: Organic sugar cane juice
• Allergens: Manufactured in a factory that also handles wheat, nuts, sesame seeds, soy and dairy products in separate area.
• Place of Origin: India