What Is Black Sugar Syrup? [+ Great Recipe!]

We get a lot of questions about the Asian delicacy black sugar syrup, and understandably so – coffee lovers enjoy simple syrups and these syrups are great for coffee as they lead to a much better distribution of sweetness.

…and each sugar syrup brings a different taste to your coffee – black sugar syrup is no different.

Keep reading to find all you need to know about black sugar syrup and a great recipe for making it at home.

What Is Black Sugar Syrup?

Black sugar syrup, a popular sugar in Japan, is called Kuromitsu (黒蜜) locally, which translates to black honey. It is made using unrefined black sugar, known as kurozato (黒砂糖) locally.

It is very similar to molasses but is noticeably milder and thinner. It’s rich in minerals, similar to palm sugar. 

It is used in boba tea, with shaved ice, ice cream and non-traditional desserts like wara mochi, anmitsu and kuzu mochi. It is also used in wagashi. 

It is simply sugar that is less processed than brown sugar and even less than white sugar.

Black sugar syrup is a syrup made using black sugar and water.

Read: Starbucks brown sugar syrup ingredients

What Does Black Sugar Syrup Taste Like?

Black sugar has a tasty and string notes of caramelized flavor, it’s earthy and has notes and hints of molasses.

Of course, due to being a sugar it is sweet and peculiarly smoky tasting.

What Is Black Sugar Used For?

There are many uses for black sugar other than the common uses of making a syrup and using it in your coffee and tea. In Taiwan and China, it is used as a flu remedy.

Mix sugar with ginger tea, and it is said to be good for nausea. Due to the iron and magnesium content, it is said to be a good solution for menstrual discomfort.

Black sugar is used in Japan to flavor both sweet and savory food items. It is used for a tasty braised pork belly and for some of their popular desserts.

Where Is Black Sugar From?

Black sugar originates from Okinawa, Japan, where it is much loved for the health benefits and complex taste. Its use dates back to the 17th century.

It contains calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and is used as an ingredient in many home remedies.

Read: How to make syrup with brown sugar

How To Make Black Sugar Syrup

Let’s make a tasty and exotic black sugar syrup for adding to your tea, coffee or if you wish your pancakes.

Ingredients Needed

To make your black sugar syrup you only need 3 ingredients, which are:

• 3.33 Oz (100 grams) of black sugar.
• 3.33 Oz (100 grams) of regular refined white sugar.
• 3.33 Oz (100 ml) of water.

The only difficult to find product on the ingredient list is black sugar. You can find it on Amazon and probably from your local Asian or Japanese supermarket. It is possible that your local Korean store has it too.

Instructions

This is so easy to make and follows the same modus operandi as making all syrups. Add all of the ingredients into a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil on a medium heat and keep stirring.

When the sugar has dissolved, take your syrup off the heat and let your syrup cool.

When it has cooled, pour your syrup into a glass bottle with an airtight lid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Sugar Syrup

Is Black Sugar Good For You?

In some Asian cultures like Korea and Taiwan black sugar is eaten like we would eat candy. It is appreciated and much loved for the nutritional content as the molasses are not removed and thus has a greater nutritional value than white sugar and brown sugar.

Is Black Sugar Better Than Brown Sugar?

Yes, black sugar is better than brown sugar as it has a better taste, it is better for you due to the nutritional profile. I wouldn’t label it as a health product or having any particular health benefits – it is better than brown sugar and white sugar.

Read: How to make brown sugar syrup

Is Black Sugar Harmful?

Black sugar is still sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation. Too much of it is not going to be too great for your health long term. It has magnesium, iron, copper and manganese and thus helps you to get some vital minerals. 

This is all due to the molasses which are absent from white sugar.

Final Thoughts – Black Sugar Syrup

If you have read this far you know all about black sugar syrup and can go right ahead and make your own syrup at home. If you are unfamiliar with how it should taste, I suggest that you buy a small bottle from Amazon and use that as your benchmark as you practice making your own.

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Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location