Rice syrup?
Posted by yabbitgirl on Jan 23, 2007 · Member since Apr 2006 · 14266 posts
OK, here's another "excuse my ignorance" question...I know corn syrup isn't terribly good for you (as in not at all) and that there are many reasons for not using honey and cane sugar. Now, I have just read the reviews of York Alike Patties and found out that rice syrup is a good exchange for corn syrup in things like this, divinity etc. Good to know as corn syrup isn't available in markets here!
But can anyone tell me--is rice syrup marginally "better" for one than sugar and corn syrup? Or is it just gentler re:animals etc.? I know that sucrose and fructose have to be watched, whatever the source, as we usually consume far too much.
Information, please! What would I do without y'all? ;)
As far as I know, brown rice syrup contains no sucrose or fructose (instead it's made up mostly of maltose and a little glucose). I'd like to think it's more than marginally better than other sweetners like sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc. because of its chemical make-up but also because it is a nutritive sweetner (sugar, for instance, is a non-nutritive sweetner--it has nothing to offer other than sweetness, having no real nutritional value). I've compiled a few links for you to have a look at. The first one mentions B vitamins, which I was pleased to learn about! Hope this helps!
http://www.mitoku.com/products/brownricemalt/healthbenefits.html
http://www.dld123.com/sweetsavvy/sweeteners/summary.php?id=Brown%20Rice%20Syrup
http://www.lundberg.com/info/faq_syrup.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_rice_syrup
I also just plain like the stuff-- it tastes good to me!
I love the taste and the fact of the B vitamins too. It is a mild sweetener, not nearly as sweet as corn syrup. I like that too though, considering most things that call for corn syrup are way too sweet for me anyways. If one needs it to be sweeter, a touch of stevia would work. Like, a pinprick of the white powder.
I have not tried plain rice syrup but i just adore Suzzane's chocalate rice syrup. I took this to a fondu party and every one started eating this instead of the traditional chocolate fondu that was out.
Well I bought some at the health food store, it's expensive, about $4.50 US for just under 2 cups. Now I have to find some powdered sugar...and save up for the mint oil which is another $4...I will leave you know! ;D
http://www.veganchef.com/veganpowder.htm Make powdered sugar!
You need a really powerful blender for this. If not it turns out rather coarse. Just wanted to let you know.
I agree, Tanevab. I've never been able to get it right... it's always too coarse.