Can brown sugar still be eaten when it has hardened

After brown sugar has hardened, it can generally continue to be consumed without affecting safety, but it may affect taste and solubility. The hardening of brown sugar is mainly related to the evaporation of moisture after being affected by moisture, changes in storage environment temperature, or inadequate packaging. The main component of brown sugar is sucrose, and the hardening of the texture is a physical change rather than spoilage. If there are no mold spots, odors, or insect infestations, simply crush the hard block or heat it over water to soften it for normal use. The dissolution rate of hardened brown sugar in hot water will slow down. It is recommended to stir or extend the soaking time appropriately when brewing. When storing, it should be sealed and placed in a cool and dry place to avoid contact with water vapor. In rare cases, brown sugar may breed mold if exposed to a humid environment for a long time, resulting in gray green spots or a sour odor on the surface. This type of spoiled brown sugar may produce harmful substances such as aflatoxin and must be discarded for disposal. When making daily purchases, it is recommended to choose small packages of brown sugar to reduce storage time. After opening, it is recommended to put them in sealed cans and add food desiccants.

Brown sugar is rich in iron, calcium and other minerals, which is suitable for women with menstruation or physical deficiency to drink moderately, but diabetes patients should control their intake. During daily storage, brown sugar can be stored together with unpeeled apple chunks, utilizing the ethylene released by the fruit to help maintain softness. If severe clumping is found, steam for 5 minutes to restore texture and avoid direct heating at high temperatures that may cause coking.