You can make sugarcane juice at home without a ganna, but there’s a caveat

Ingredients

3-4tbsp – Jaggery, chopped
7 to 8 – Mint leaves
1 lime – Juice
Lots of ice
Black salt to taste

Method

In a mixer, add the ingredients and blend. Enjoy.

Is this a good substitute for sugarcane juice?

While homemade sugarcane juice made with jaggery can be a flavourful and refreshing beverage, it may not have the same nutritional profile as fresh sugarcane juice, said clinical dietitian Garima Goyal. Agreed Sushma PS, chief dietitian, Jindal Naturecure Institute who said that this drink feels more like a lime mocktail with mint instead of sugarcane juice.

Some points to consider

Nutritional content

Fresh sugarcane juice contains natural sugars, vitamins (such as vitamin C), minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and potassium), and antioxidants. “However, when sugarcane is processed into jaggery, some nutrients may be lost due to the heating and crystallisation process,” said Goyal.

Is jaggery a good replacement for sugarcane? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Caloric content

While fresh sugarcane juice is rich in minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, it is important to consume it in moderation because it’s also heavy in calories and carbohydrates, noted Sushma. According to Goyal, while it can prove to be a quick source of energy, excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, especially for individuals watching their sugar intake.

Fibre content

Fresh sugarcane juice contains dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. “Jaggery, on the other hand, contains minimal fibre since it’s a concentrated form of sugar,” said Goyal.

Added ingredients

Some commercially available jaggery products may contain additives or preservatives to enhance shelf life or appearance. “It’s important to check the ingredients list if you’re purchasing jaggery from stores,” said Goyal.

 

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While homemade sugarcane juice made with jaggery can still be enjoyed in moderation as a sweet treat, it may not offer the same nutritional benefits as fresh sugarcane juice. “It’s essential to consume both sugarcane juice and jaggery in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re concerned about sugar intake and overall health,” said Goyal.