Jaggery is an unrefined natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is widely used in food, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, and traditional medicine. Below are the general specifications for jaggery:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Solid blocks, cubes, granules, or powder
Color: Golden yellow to dark brown (varies based on processing and raw material)
Odor & Taste: Sweet, characteristic aroma, free from off-odors or fermentation
Texture: Hard or semi-soft, depending on moisture content
Moisture Content: Max 5-8% (for solid jaggery), Max 10% (for powdered jaggery)
Jaggery powder is a finely ground, unrefined natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It is widely used in food, confectionery, beverages, and pharmaceutical applications. Below are the general specifications for jaggery powder:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Fine, free-flowing powder
Color: Light golden yellow to dark brown (depends on processing and raw material)
Odor & Taste: Sweet, characteristic jaggery aroma, free from off-odors or fermentation
Liquid Jaggery: Liquid jaggery is an all-natural product that is prepared by concentrating sugarcane juice, using a sublime process. Popularly known as Joni Bella, in India this confectionery item is used in making flavored drinks and other sweets as well.
Natural Brown Jaggery: More nutritious than refined white sugar and a suitable substitute sweetener, jaggery may also offer several health benefits. These may include improved digestive health and liver detoxification. Jaggery is a sweetener that's becoming popular as a " healthy" replacement for sugar.
Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by bees from floral nectar. It is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Below are the general specifications for honey:
Physical Properties:
Appearance: Thick, viscous liquid or crystallized form
Color: Light amber to dark brown (varies based on floral source)
Odor & Taste: Pleasant, characteristic honey aroma and sweet taste
Texture: Smooth, free from lumps or impurities
Moisture Content: Max 18-20%
Solubility: Completely soluble in warm water
Chemical Properties:
Fructose Content: 38-42%
Glucose Content: 28-32%
Sucrose Content: Max 5%
Total Reducing Sugars (Fructose + Glucose): Min 65%
Acidity: 0.2 - 0.5% (expressed as formic acid)
Ash Content: Max 0.5%
pH: 3.5 - 5.5
Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF): Max 40 mg/kg (as per international standards)
Diastase Activity (Amylase): Min 8 DN (Diastase Number)
Proline Content: Min 180 mg/kg (indicator of natural honey)
Microbiological Standards:
Total Plate Count: Max 1,000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold: Max 200 CFU/g
Coliforms: Absent
E. Coli: Absent
Salmonella: Absent
Clostridium Botulinum: Absent
Contaminants & Adulterants:
Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)
Heavy Metals:
Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm
Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm
Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm
Mercury (Hg): <0.05 ppm
Antibiotics & Drug Residues: Must be absent
Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent
Added Sugars or Glucose: Must be absent (tested by C4 sugar analysis)
Applications of Honey:
Food Industry: Used in bakery, confectionery, dairy, beverages, and cereals
Pharmaceuticals & Ayurveda: Used in cough syrups, herbal medicines, and wound healing
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Used in skincare, hair care, and beauty products
Beverages: Used in herbal teas, energy drinks, and fermented honey drinks
Industrial Use: Used in fermentation, alcoholic beverages, and honey-based syrups
Natural Honey: In addition to its use as a natural sweetener honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing.
