ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, is taking efforts to popularise nutrient-rich liquid jaggery, one of its unique products made without any additive or preservative.

Liquid jaggery is currently popular in Kerala and Maharashtra. The product is being licensed to prospective entrepreneurs. Developed at the Institute’s pilot scale facility, liquid jaggery has been licensed to a Kerala-based company, which sells the product made available in bottles for ₹100 for 600 grams, a senior scientist at the Institute said.

Known as ‘Kaakvi’ in English, the product rich in potassium, and packed with minerals like manganese, calcium and zinc, is known to enhance taste of savouries. The adulterant-free product that increases haemoglobin level and controls acidity is a nutraceutical. The healthy sweetener is used for making of various confectionery items; formulations of Ayurvedic medicines, and used as ingredient in ice creams, sudharas (Maharashtrian fruit recipe), and fruit salad, the senior scientist said.

The Institute charges ₹10,000 for training and technology transfer of liquid jaggery. Health-conscious consumers prefer liquid jaggery, since unlike highly refined sugar, it releases energy gradually in the body, the scientist said.

Through its pilot scale facility, ICAR-SBI also produces cane jam, dietary fibre food products and novel frozen food products. The lab scale facility has successfully tested making of cane juice powder through spray and freeze-dried methods.