The palm sugar tree, the national tree of the Kingdom of Cambodia ~ KAMPOT PROVINCE

The palm sugar tree, the national tree of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Supplied by Confirel, certificated organic by ecocert sa, f-32600

Cambodian palm is a hearty tree, that can live for 100 years. The canopy can span 3 metres and it has the potential of reaching 30 meters. The large trunk resembles that of a coconut tree. The growth pattern, large size and clean habits make it an attractive tree specimen.

The taste of natural palm sugar resembles that of brown cane sugar, yet more rounded caramel and creamy buttery note with a clean ending taste. Unlike brown cane sugar, it has a rich flavour, a low melting temperature and a high burning temperature. It is used frequently in Asian, Cambodian, Thai, Indian and Sri Lankan cooking.

Palm sugar can also be used as a traditional medicine for calcium deficiency and anaemia. It also contains high nutritional values rich in fructose and oligoelements.

Palm sugar comes from the sap of the sugar palm fruit

The men climb to the top of the trees, cut into the stem that holds the fruit and then they tie a bamboo container under the cut and leave it overnight to collect the sap.

The following morning the sap is good enough to drink fresh. Families use an ancient tradition method by pouring the sap into large pans and cooking it until thick, It is then taken off the heat and kneaded with wooden sticks until it is solid.

To experience the true taste of pure palm sugar make sure you purchase Organic. It will be 100% natural palm sugar. Some companies mix lower grade sugar with other natural palm sugar - to keep the costs down.