t. sugar

Turbinado sugar is a large-grained cane sugar that retains molasses coating on individual crystals, produced through a specialized centrifugal extraction process. The crystals are substantially larger than granulated white sugar and feature a characteristic light brown or golden hue derived from thin layers of molasses. Originating from tropical sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), turbinado sugar is sometimes marketed under the brand name "Sugar in the Raw" and represents a partially refined intermediate between fully refined white sugar and completely unrefined whole cane sugars.

Turbinado sugar serves multiple functions in both baking and beverage applications. Its coarse texture makes it ideal for decorative finishing on baked goods, where its crystals add visual appeal and textural contrast to cookies, muffins, and pastries without dissolving during baking. It is commonly used in coffee and tea as a sweetener, where the larger crystals dissolve more slowly than granulated sugar, extending sweetness perception. In beverage production and some candy-making applications, turbinado sugar can replace white granulated sugar at a 1:1 ratio, though its slight molasses flavor imparts a more complex sweetness profile.