Rock Candy (Nabat)
A clear, yellowish sugar formed by slowly crystallizing sugar syrup into large crystals. Used to sweeten tea and traditional drinks.
What Is Nabat Sugar (Rock Candy)?
Nabat sugar is a type of sugar obtained by slowly crystallizing a concentrated sugar syrup around a string or stick into large, translucent crystals. It is also known colloquially as "nöbet şekeri."
It is distinguished from ordinary granulated sugar by its translucent-yellowish, large, glossy crystals; there are also varieties flavored with saffron or spices. It is traditionally used to sweeten tea and hot beverages, particularly in Iranian and Middle Eastern culture.
Nutritional Value of Nabat Sugar
Nabat sugar is essentially pure sucrose; it contains approximately 400 kcal of energy per 100 g and is almost entirely carbohydrate (sugar). It has the same nutritional value as granulated sugar; the only difference is crystal size. As a sweetener, it should be consumed in moderation.
What Are the Benefits of Nabat Sugar?
Since nabat sugar is a pure sugar, it has no nutritional advantage; although it is popularly considered refreshing when consumed with hot beverages, this is a matter of taste preference. Being sugar, moderate consumption is recommended.
This information is general; nabat sugar is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Nabat Sugar
Quality nabat sugar has large, translucent-glossy, clean crystals. Cloudy, powdery, or moisture-clumped crystals have lost their freshness.
- Crystals should be large, translucent, and glossy
- Should not be stuck together from moisture, pieces should stay separate
- In flavored (saffron) varieties, color and scent should be natural
How to Store Nabat Sugar
Nabat sugar is stored in a sealed jar in a dry place for a very long time; being sugar, it does not spoil, it only needs protection from moisture. If it absorbs moisture, the crystals may stick together.
Using Nabat Sugar in the Kitchen
Nabat sugar is used most often to sweeten tea, herbal tea, and hot beverages; since its large crystal dissolves slowly, it sweetens the drink gradually over time. The saffron variety also adds color and aroma to beverages.
Use in Tea
A piece of nabat sugar is dropped into hot tea and slowly dissolved; since the large crystal dissolves slowly, the tea sweetens gradually and the crystal can also be held under the tongue.
Difference from Granulated Sugar
It is nutritionally the same; nabat sugar simply dissolves more slowly and is visually more striking because it is grown into slow, large crystals.
Which Recipes Use Nabat Sugar?
Tea with nabat, saffron nabat, hot beverage sweetening, and traditional sherbets are its best-known uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between nabat sugar and regular sugar?
There is no difference in nutritional value; both are sucrose. The difference lies only in crystal size, dissolving speed, and appearance.
Why is nabat sugar yellowish?
Natural nabat can be light yellowish-translucent; varieties flavored with saffron take on a golden-yellow color from the saffron.
Is nabat sugar good for the throat?
It is popularly considered soothing when consumed with hot beverages; however, this is a matter of taste/tradition, not a medical claim.
How is nabat sugar made?
A concentrated sugar syrup is poured into a container with a string or stick dipped in it and left for days; the syrup slowly crystallizes into large crystals around this core.
Does nabat sugar spoil?
Being pure sugar, it practically does not spoil; it only sticks together if it absorbs moisture. It lasts a very long time when stored dry.