Grating the dark cylinders and light brown disks is the most accurate way to measure an amount for recipes. To use the sugar sold in a plastic tub, open it and scoop off the waxy paraffin layer sometimes present as a preservative technique. Soften it in the microwave in twenty-second intervals until it’s pliable. The hard disks are best tackled by grating them on a sturdy box grater. The palm sugar can then be measured accurately by gently packing it into a measuring cup.