Coarse Sugars

Coarse sugars have larger crystals than regular granulated sugar. They are useful as a garnish on muffins and other baked goods (Figure 8.7). Because of their large size, coarse crystals do not readily dissolve, and they have an attractive sparkle. One example of a coarse crystalline sugar is sometimes called sanding sugar, although that term also refers to a different product called pearl sugar. For added sheen, coarse sugars are sometimes polished with a coating of edible carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a hard natural wax from a Brazilian palm tree. The shiny waxed coarse sugars are particularly attractive as a garnish, and the wax coating further prevents the crystals from picking up moisture and dissolving into batters or doughs.