KOKUTO (OKINAWA BLACK SUGAR) POWDER

Prefecture: Okinawa 
Producer: Okinawa Kurozato Cooperative
Ingredients: Sugarcane
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free
Size: 200g
Storage: Refrigerate after opening. Avoid humidity. 

Kokuto (lit. “black sugar”) is a regional brown sugar from Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost tropical islands. It was first produced over 300 years ago during the Edo era and has since become one of Okinawa's best known local specialties. 

Different from regular brown sugar, kokuto is made from 100% local sugarcane which is pressed to squeeze out its sweet, raw juice. It has a rich licorice flavor with hints of caramel and toffee  and is considered a healthier alternative to regular sugar given its high levels of calcium, iron, and vitamin B.

Sadly, most sugarcane is now used to produce raw sugar, such as white sugar, and only about 5-6% is used to make kokuto. The number of kokuto factories has also decreased dramatically. Currently, only eight islands in Okinawa manufacture pure kokuto, with each region producing a slightly different flavor, color, texture and aroma based on the soil, weather and cultivation methods. This pure kokuto powder is from Hateruma Island, the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, and is said to have been blessed by the sun and earth of the island. 

Suggested uses: Use to replace any sweetener, in tea, sprinkled on top of ice cream or frozen yogurt, or in simmered dishes and desserts.