Understanding the Sulphurless Sugar Process
Unlike traditional methods, Fortune sugar is manufactured using a modern, sulphurless process. The old sulphitation method uses sulphur dioxide to bleach and clarify the sugarcane juice, making the sugar appear whiter. This can result in residual sulphur being present in the finished product. To produce their premium sugar, Fortune uses a more advanced technique that eliminates the need for this chemical additive.
Instead of sulphur dioxide, the process relies on natural and less harmful agents. According to Refresh Your Life, sulphur-free sugar is refined using phosphoric acid and phosphate salts. This method effectively removes impurities while avoiding the potential health and environmental risks associated with sulphur dioxide. The result is a purer, more hygienic sugar with no unpleasant aftertaste or chemical residues.
How Fortune Sugar is Made Sulphurless
The Fortune sugar manufacturing process involves several key steps to ensure its purity and sulphurless nature:
- Sugarcane Milling: The process begins with crushing fresh sugarcane to extract the juice. Modern, automated machinery is used to prevent human contamination during this initial stage.
- Juice Clarification: Instead of using sulphur dioxide, natural clarifying agents like lime and phosphoric acid are added to the juice. This causes impurities to coagulate and settle at the bottom, which can then be easily removed.
- Evaporation and Crystallization: The clarified juice is then evaporated to form a concentrated syrup. This syrup is further heated in vacuum pans to allow sugar crystals to form. Small sugar grains are added as 'seeds' to promote crystal growth.
- Centrifugation: The sugar crystals are then separated from the leftover molasses using centrifugal force.
- Double Refining Process (DRP): Fortune's use of DRP technology further enhances the sugar's purity. This double-refinement ensures a high-quality product that meets international standards of hygiene and purity.
- Automated Packaging: The finished, sparkling white crystals are packaged in a fully automated, hands-free process, ensuring they remain free from dust and impurities until they reach the consumer.
Benefits of Choosing Sulphur-Free Sugar
Choosing sugar that is processed without sulphur dioxide offers several advantages:
- No Chemical Residues: Eliminates the risk of ingesting harmful chemical residues that can remain in sugar refined with sulphur.
- Reduced Allergy Risk: Minimizes the risk of triggering allergic reactions, particularly for individuals with sulphur sensitivities or asthma.
- Eco-Friendly Production: The sulphurless process is more environmentally friendly as it avoids emitting harmful sulphur dioxide gas and produces effluent water free of related contamination. This method also helps enhance soil fertility.
- Purer Taste: Some consumers find that sulphur-free sugar has a cleaner taste, as it is not tainted by chemical agents.
- Healthier Alternative: Although all sugar should be consumed in moderation, opting for a purer, sulphurless variety is a healthier choice for those concerned about chemical additives.
Comparison: Fortune Sulphurless Sugar vs. Traditional Sulphitated Sugar
| Feature | Fortune Sulphurless Sugar | Traditional Sulphitated Sugar |
|---|---|---|
| Refining Method | Uses natural agents like lime and phosphoric acid in a Double Refining Process (DRP). | Uses sulphur dioxide as a bleaching and clarifying agent. |
| Sulphur Content | Less than 5 ppm, considered sulphur-less or sulphur-free. | Higher sulphur residues, potentially up to 70 ppm in some regions. |
| Appearance | Sparkling white, naturally translucent crystals. | White crystals, often requiring bleaching to achieve a clean look. |
| Health Impact | Reduced risk of allergic reactions and no chemical residue intake. | Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to sulphur dioxide residues. |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly process that enhances soil fertility and avoids harmful emissions. | Emits harmful gases like sulphur dioxide and creates contaminated wastewater. |
| Taste Profile | Clean, natural sweetness. | May have a slightly different taste profile due to chemical treatment. |
Conclusion
Based on multiple sources, including the manufacturer's own website, Fortune sugar is indeed sulphur free. The brand uses an advanced, automated, and chemical-free process that specifically replaces sulphur dioxide with natural alternatives to refine its sugar. This not only results in a cleaner, purer product but also offers potential health and environmental benefits over traditional sugar. For consumers seeking a cleaner, more hygienic sugar without the risk of sulphur residues, Fortune sugar is a reliable and safe choice. While consuming any sugar in excess is not recommended, opting for a sulphurless option can be a step towards a healthier diet.
For more information on Fortune's sulphurless sugar, you can visit their official product page.
