Palm flower sugar

Kampong Speu Palm Flower Sugar, protected by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), originates from the sap of the sugar palm, also known as “Thnôt” in Cambodian. This designation guarantees its distinctive character, the result of ancestral know-how and traditional methods preserved over time.

The sugar palm (Borassus Flabellifer), an emblem of Cambodia, is characterized by its long, bare trunk, raising its large, ball-shaped leaves toward the sky. Abundant in the central province of Kampong Speu, the sugar palm, which can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters, forms the foundation of the artisanal production of Palm Flower Sugar.

Since 2010 in Cambodia and since 2016 in Europe, the 100% artisanal production of Kampong Speu Palm Flower Sugar has benefited from PGI, joining Fleur de Sel and Kampot Pepper as our third Cambodian product to enjoy this designation. This recognition highlights the uniqueness of this exceptional product, whose production remains rooted in traditional practices, thus preserving the authenticity and unique character of this sweet delicacy.

The harvest of Kampong Speu PGI Palm Flower Sugar, carefully orchestrated, coincides with the dry season, beginning in November with the appearance of the first inflorescences and extending until May. During this crucial period, barefoot harvesters equipped with ladder rungs climb the majestic trunk of the sugar palm.

The delicate harvesting process starts with the tying and meticulous cutting of the flower buds. These are arranged to collect the precious sap in bamboo tube receptacles, suspended at the base of the flowers. The sap flows gradually for about a month. However, due to its short shelf life, harvesters must climb back up morning and evening to collect the fresh sap and cut a new slice of the inflorescence, ensuring continuous production.

The natural production of palm sugar follows the rigorous standards of the designation. Once collected, the sap must be immediately filtered by decantation. It is then cooked in thick cauldrons until it reaches a dense syrup, continuing the process until complete crystallization. On-site, the sugar is usually consumed in liquid or hard paste form. To create Palm Flower Sugar, the sugar loaves obtained are meticulously kneaded, ground, and sifted, resulting in the characteristic final texture of this sweet delicacy, preserving the ancestral tradition of its production.

Choosing palm flower sugar is justified by its exceptional characteristics, promoting health while preserving the sweetness of sugary pleasures. Here’s why this natural alternative is a smart choice:

Palm flower sugar stands out with a glycemic index below 30, making it an excellent choice for those looking to control their blood sugar levels. Its slower absorption helps avoid sudden blood sugar spikes, promoting more stable glycemic regulation.

Thanks to its low glycemic index and nutritional composition, this artisanal sugar can aid in regulating blood glucose and insulin levels in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to maintain stable blood sugar balance. Palm flower sugar is also a rich source of essential minerals such as iron, zinc, and other health-beneficial nutrients. This makes it a sweet option that provides additional nutrients compared to refined sugars.

Choosing palm flower sugar offers a natural and balanced alternative to more conventional sugars. Its unique flavor and health benefits make it an attractive option for those seeking a sweet taste with additional nutritional advantages.

Palm Blossom Sugar develops fresh, floral, slightly spicy and rounder notes of caramel and toast.

Palm Blossom Sugar adds a crispier texture to cakes such as palmiers, financiers, muffins or pound cakes. It will give a caramelized note to pancakes or waffles.

You can sprinkle a little palm blossom sugar on yogurt, crème brûlée, fruit salad, pan-fried fruit with butter or replace your refined sugar for your cakes, crumble dough, palmiers, pastries, ice cream or jams.

It is also widely used in traditional Cambodian dishes such as Crab sautéed with Green Pepper, rice sautéed with vegetables, Beef Lok Lak and Currys.

This natural sugar is distinguished by harmonious notes of caramel, honey, and spices, offering a complex and delicate flavor palette.

Indulge in delicate caramelized notes that evoke the sweetness of sugar, adding richness and depth to every bite for an irresistible sweet experience.

Discover subtle hints of vanilla that enhance the natural aroma of Palm Flower Sugar, giving an exotic and refined touch to your culinary creations.

Savor a light touch of honey that complements the flavor profile, adding natural sweetness and aromatic complexity for an exceptional sweet experience.

Harvested from the palms of the Kampong Speu region, this sugar, captured at the heart of the flowers, offers delicate floral aromas that evoke the freshness of nature and transport your senses to a tropical paradise.

Enjoy a gourmet sensation in the mouth where the flavors blend harmoniously, creating an unforgettable sweet experience that reveals the finesse of this exceptional product.

Benefit from the natural purity of this unrefined sugar, showcasing the authentic quality of the ingredients, for a taste experience free from artificiality, highlighting the richness of the Kampong Speu terroir in Cambodia.

Palm flower sugar offers a range of culinary possibilities, adding an exotic and delicate touch to your preparations. Here are some suggestions for utilizing its unique flavor:

• Baking: Incorporate palm flower sugar into your cake recipes such as palmiers, financiers, muffins, pound cakes, or sponge cakes for a crunchier texture and a caramelized note.
• Pancakes and Waffles: Generously sprinkle sugar on your pancakes or waffles to give them a delicious caramelized touch.
• Yogurts and crème brûlées: Enhance your yogurts or crème brûlées by sprinkling a pinch of palm flower sugar for a sweet and caramelized note.
• Fruit salads and Sautéed fruits: Add a sweet dimension by sprinkling palm flower sugar on fruit salads or butter-sautéed fruits.
• Refined sugar alternative: Use palm flower sugar as a natural and fragrant alternative to refined sugar in your cake preparations, crumble toppings, palmiers, pastries, ice creams, or jams.
• Cambodian cuisine: Explore the flavors of Cambodian cuisine by incorporating the sugar into traditional dishes such as Crab sautéed with green pepper, vegetable fried rice, Beef Lok Lak, and curries for an authentic experience.
• Unique caramel: Prepare a unique caramel using palm flower sugar to top your desserts, ice creams, or pancakes. Its exotic flavor will bring an original touch to this classic.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce: Create a sweet and sour sauce by mixing palm flower sugar with vinegar, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for accompanying meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes.
• Caramelized fruits: Prepare caramelized fruits by sprinkling palm flower sugar on slices of fruits like bananas, apples (using our pressed apple recipe), or pineapples, then grilling or sautéing them.
• Homemade Granola: Integrate palm flower sugar into your homemade granola recipe to add a tropical and sweet note to your breakfast.
• Pickling: Add a touch of palm flower sugar to your brine to give a sweet note to your pickled vegetables, such as pickles or carrots.

Palm flower sugar becomes a versatile ally in the kitchen, adding a tropical and exotic touch to your sweet and savory dishes. Let your culinary creativity run free by experimenting with this delicious sweet alternative.

After opening the package, carefully transfer the palm flower sugar into an airtight jar. This will help prevent exposure to air, thus preserving its delicate aromas and texture. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Store the sugar in a dark place to maintain its organoleptic properties, including its aromas and natural color.

Choose a cool and dry place to store the jar containing the sugar. Stable temperatures help maintain its quality, preventing any alteration due to sudden climate changes. Ensure the storage location is free from humidity. Moisture can alter the texture of the sugar, making it compact or prone to forming clumps.

By following these recommendations, you will prolong the shelf life of palm flower sugar and ensure an optimal taste experience with every use. Proper storage maintains the integrity of this sweet delicacy, allowing you to fully enjoy it throughout its use.