Sugar Icumsa 45
ICUMSA 45 refers to a specific grade of refined white sugar that is widely traded globally, particularly for food and beverage production. ICUMSA stands for the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis, which provides a standardized method for measuring the color of sugar, indicating its level of refinement and purity. ICUMSA 45 is the most refined and purest form of white sugar, with a very low level of impurities and a high degree of sweetness.
Key Characteristics of ICUMSA 45 Sugar:
1. Purity and Color: ICUMSA 45 sugar has a color rating of 45 ICUMSA units or less, making it a bright, sparkling white. The low ICUMSA rating signifies that it has gone through extensive processing and bleaching to remove impurities and colorants.
2. Granulated Texture: It has a fine granulated texture, making it easy to dissolve, which is ideal for both domestic and industrial use.
3. High Sucrose Content: ICUMSA 45 is typically around 99.8-99.9% pure sucrose, providing high sweetness with minimal impurities.
4. Low Moisture Content: This sugar has low moisture, making it stable for long storage and preventing clumping or spoilage.
Applications
ICUMSA 45 sugar is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
1. Food and Beverage Industry: Used in soft drinks, sweets, baked goods, and dairy products due to its high purity and sweetness.
2. Pharmaceuticals: Employed in medicines, syrups, and supplements as it dissolves easily and has consistent quality.
3. Household Use: ICUMSA 45 is also common in household settings due to its refined quality and easy solubility.
Production and Processing
The production of ICUMSA 45 sugar involves several stages, including:
1. Centrifugation and Crystallization: After juice extraction from sugarcane or sugar beets, it is purified and filtered. The sugar is then crystallized to separate sucrose from impurities.
2. Bleaching: The sugar undergoes further treatment to achieve a bright white color.
3. Drying and Packaging: Once refined, it is dried to reduce moisture content, packaged, and prepared for export or distribution.
ICUMSA Grades and Comparison
ICUMSA grades indicate the color and purity of sugar, with lower numbers representing higher purity. ICUMSA 45 is the purest, but other grades are used for less refined sugar:
ICUMSA 100-150: Less refined than ICUMSA 45, commonly used in industrial applications where pure white color isn’t essential.
ICUMSA 600-1200: Often referred to as “raw sugar” or “brown sugar,” with higher molasses content and a darker color.
Global Trade and Demand
ICUMSA 45 sugar is the most commonly traded sugar type in the world, particularly due to its versatility and stability for export. Brazil, India, and Thailand are among the largest producers and exporters of ICUMSA 45 sugar.