As Clear as Drinking Water!
By: Inneke Victor
The sugar palm (Arenga pinnata), a natural sweetener rich in nutrients, produces sap that starts to change almost immediately after being tapped. Did you know that ? This sap, the key ingredient for making delicious palm sugar or palm syrup, is incredibly perishable and ferments quickly if not handled properly.
So, what happens when the sap begins to lose its freshness? Researchers*studied freshly tapped sap—without preservatives or long waits—to uncover the secrets of its freshness . The first clue lies in its pH. Fresh sap has a pH of about 8, meaning it’s slightly alkaline. Over time, this pH drops, signalling the start of fermentation.
Color changes in fresh sugar palm sap
Another fascinating aspect is its color Fresh sugar palm sap is incredibly clear—so much so that its color can be compared to drinking water! However, over time, its brightness fades. This subtle change in color is a clear indicator that fermentation is underway. Why does this matter? Because these quick color changes can serve as an easy, visual sign of freshness. The strong connection between pH and color means you can see the freshness of the sap diminishing right before your eyes. So, the next time you drizzle palm sugar syrup over your pancakes or stir it into your coffee or tea imagine the fascinating journey the sap has been through. And if you ever find yourself near a sugar palm tree, you’ll know exactly how to spot sap that’s fresh—as clear as drinking water!
Source : *Inneke Victor et al., Identification of changes in the freshness of palm (Arenga pinnata) sap. Sugar Tech. 2023 ; Vol. 25 Issue 1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12355-022-01181-9
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Read our more blog : “The Potential of Tomohon Palm Sugar From Arenga Pinnata : Tradition, Economy, and Sustainability”
