Development and Classification Technique of Indian Sugars

Abstract

With the passage of time, Indian sugar industry has seen tremendous changes and advancement in the methods of sugar processing so as to provide better-quality sugar to its consumers. A general mindset which prevails in the minds of a common consumer when it comes to sugar is its appearance in terms of colour, i.e. whiteness and luster, and also the crystal size. Thus, looking to the various applications requiring sugar as an essential ingredient and for the sake of consumer protection, there was a need to develop different grades of sugar. It was also considered essential as this may provide a reference in determining the price in accordance with the grade. This led to establishment of Bureau of Sugar Standards and formulation of standard grades. This history of development of such grades and as on date scenario has also been discussed below.

It is also pertinent to mention that unlike in other countries, where the colour of the sugar is determined in solution and is expressed as ICUMSA value, in India, the colour value of sugar is determined in solid state and is expressed as modulated reflectance value.