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Packed Dark Brown Sugar
Deep, molasses-forward, and slightly bitter-sweet, richer than light brown sugar.
Lens analyzedPacked dark brown sugar is regular granulated sugar coated in molasses, pressed firmly into a measuring cup so it holds the cup's shape when turned out. The dark variety carries more molasses than light brown sugar, giving baked goods a deeper color and stronger caramel-like flavor. "Packed" is a measuring instruction as much as a description, telling a baker to press the sugar down rather than scoop it loosely.
Where it comes from
Brown sugar became a household baking staple once refineries started selling molasses-coated sugar separately from fully refined white sugar, giving home bakers a shortcut to the deeper flavor molasses adds. The dark and light distinction reflects how much molasses is mixed back in during processing.
Buying it
Squeeze the bag before buying if possible; dark brown sugar should feel soft and moist rather than hard or dried out. A resealable bag or box helps keep it from hardening on the shelf.
Storing it
Keep dark brown sugar in an airtight container or a sealed bag with the air pressed out, since exposure to air dries it into a hard block. A slice of bread or a damp clay disc added to the container can help soften sugar that's already hardened.
Keeps about 1 year in the pantry.
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