Mishri – Thread Misri Crystal / Rock Sugar Crystal / Sugar Candy

Rock candy or sugar candy, also called rock sugar, or crystal sugar, is a type of confection composed of relatively large sugar crystals. This candy is formed by allowing a supersaturated solution of sugar and water to crystallize onto a surface suitable for crystal nucleation, such as a string, stick, or plain granulated sugar. Heating the water before adding the sugar allows more sugar to dissolve thus producing larger crystals. Crystals form after 6 to 7 days. Mishri or Rock sugar is also a form of sugar that is also extracted from the sugarcane plant. While processing the juice, a brown coloured ‘impure’ form of sugar is produced which is also called ‘Khand’ or ‘raw sugar’. This sugar contains the natural fibre content of sugarcane which are also referred to as impurities. The raw sugar is combined with water and a small quantity of milk, and boiled for several hours repeatedly to form a thick consistency. The milk is added to make it’s colour brighter. It is then poured into containers and covered for unto 8 days to minimise its exposure to air and light. After 8 days, thick yellow greyish crystals are formed which are known as Mishri. There is no chemical treatment used on Mishri to make it look ‘pretty’, which is the reason why it stays healthy. Ayurveda has more to say about it in terms of its goodness. If you had been consuming mishri, rock sugar or rock candy post meal just as a mouth freshener, then you need to know that there is a hidden health benefit too. Considered as a healthier substitute for table sugar, it has certain medicinal properties and essential nutrients that help relieve many health issues. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, mishri is also an integral part of Ayurveda that treats many health problems naturally such as kidney stone, breathing problem, anemia, asthma and more.