Black sugar is an ingredient that is used in Taiwan in a wide variety of ways from teas to traditional Chinese medicine.  Although it may look similar to its brown cousin, black sugar has a rounder, smoother taste with notes of molasses and contains nutrients such as potassium, iron, calcium and other minerals.  It takes approximately 16 kilograms of red sugarcane to produce just 1 kilogram of black sugar so it is also valued more than brown and white processed sugars. 

These black sugar cubes incorporate bits of dried ginger to create a zesty and refreshing drink that is not only delicious but can also offer relief for coughs and digestive ailments.  The classic method of consumption is to make ginger black sugar tea but it can also be used for homemade ginger ale and even in cocktails.  Recipes for these drinks are available here but you’ll most likely start inventing your own recipes once you get a taste of this sweet and spicy burst of flavor.