„Rock Sugar Mitr Phol 500 G. น้ำตาลกรวด” refers to a product from Mitr Phol, a major sugar producer, specifically rock sugar in a 500-gram package.

Here’s a breakdown of the information:

Mitr Phol (มิตรผล):

• Company: Mitr Phol Group is a leading sugar producer, not only in Thailand but also one of the largest in Asia and among the top worldwide. They have a long history, established in 1946, and are known for producing various types of sugar and other related products, including renewable energy from sugarcane byproducts.
• Reputation: They are generally well-regarded for their quality and adhere to international standards in their production processes.

Rock Sugar (น้ำตาลกรวด – Namtan Kruat):

• What it is: Rock sugar is a type of crystallized sugar that forms large, irregular crystals. It’s made by slowly crystallizing pure sugar cane syrup, which results in a purer form of sugar.
• Appearance: Mitr Phol’s rock sugar is described as „clear crystalline” (ผลึกใส), meaning it’s white and translucent.
• Flavor Profile: It has a milder and more delicate sweetness compared to granulated sugar. It’s known for providing a smooth, mellow sweetness that doesn’t overpower other flavors.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Purity: Due to its slow crystallization process, it’s considered very pure.
  • Slow Dissolving: The larger crystals dissolve slowly, which can be beneficial in certain applications.
  • Less Sweetness Perception: It can be perceived as less sweet than the same amount of granulated sugar, allowing for more nuanced flavor development in dishes.

Uses of Mitr Phol Rock Sugar (500 G): Rock sugar, particularly the clear crystalline type, is highly valued in Asian cuisine and for specific purposes:

• Braised Dishes (ต้ม ตุ๋น): This is one of its most common and highly recommended uses. When added to stews, soups, or braised meats (like pork belly or chicken), it provides a subtle sweetness and helps to create a glossy, appetizing sheen on the finished dish. It’s especially good for dishes that require long cooking times, as it dissolves slowly and evenly. Examples include:
  • Noodle soup broths (น้ำซุปก๋วยเตี๋ยว)
  • Chinese herbal soups (ตุ๋นยาจีน)
  • Herbal drinks (น้ำสมุนไพร)
  • „Taohueng” (เต้าทึง – a sweet Chinese dessert soup)
• Desserts and Confections:
  • Fruit Preserves/Candied Fruits (ผลไม้เชื่อม, ผลไม้ดอง): It’s excellent for making fruit preserves, glazes, or candied fruits because it imparts a beautiful clear, shiny finish and a moist texture to the fruit.
  • Bird’s Nest Soup (รังนก): A classic use for clear rock sugar, as it sweetens the delicate bird’s nest soup without clouding its appearance.
  • Sweet Teas and Coffees: It can be used to sweeten hot beverages, especially teas, as it’s believed to enhance their flavor without adding any „grittiness” or overpowering the natural taste of the tea. Some types of Mitr Phol rock sugar are even marketed as „Coffee Sugar” due to this property.
• Candies: Can be eaten as a simple candy.

Packaging: The „500 G.” indicates a 500-gram package, a common size for household use.

In summary, Mitr Phol Rock Sugar is a high-quality, pure crystallized sugar from a reputable Thai producer, prized for its mild, delicate sweetness and its ability to add shine and a smooth texture to a variety of savory and sweet dishes, particularly those in Asian cuisine that involve slow cooking or delicate flavors.