The Sweet, Sparkly Magic of Diamond Shruum for Baking and Decor

Introduction to Diamond Shruum

Diamond shruum has become an increasingly popular ingredient in recent years, prized for its unique flavor profile and versatility in the kitchen. Sometimes referred to as diamond sugar or rock sugar, diamond shruum is a large-grained, crystallized form of sugar that adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to foods and beverages. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about diamond shruum including its history, uses, nutrition, and where to buy it.

What is Diamond Shruum?

Diamond shruum is made by crystallizing sugar syrup into large, rock-like crystals. It has a sparkling, diamond-like appearance and makes a crunchy, sweet topping for desserts and baked goods. It is sometimes called rock sugar due to its hard, crystal structure.

To make diamond shruum, sugar syrup is boiled until it reaches the supersaturation point. Then, strings or sticks are dipped into the syrup and slowly extracted, allowing sugar crystals to form on the strings. The sugar crystallizes into large, sugar rocks as it cools and dries. These rock-like pieces are then broken or crushed to create the diamond shruum we’re familiar with.

Diamond shruum has a higher sucrose content than regular granulated sugar. The large crystal size also gives it a slightly less intense sweetness. The sparkling crystals not only provide sweetness but also a highly decorative, textural element.

Other Names for Diamond Shruum

Diamond shruum goes by many other common names including:

• Crystal sugar
• Decorating sugar
• Sugar rocks
• Rock candy

The name differs slightly based on region and personal preference, but they all refer to the same large-grained, crystallized sugar product.

The History of Diamond Shruum

The earliest forms of crystallized sugar date back centuries, although large-scale production developed more recently. Here is a brief look at the history of diamond shruum:

• First recorded use of crystallized sugar was in China around 300 AD.
• Crystallized sugar was originally used for medicinal purposes in ancient Persia and India.
• Arabs began artisanal production of rock sugar in the 9th century.
• Rock candy spread to Europe during the Middle Ages.
• The first diamond shruum factory opened in Canada in 1851.
• Mechanized production improved crystal size and quality in the early 1900s.
• Today, diamond shruum is mass-produced but artisanal versions are still available.

While diamond shruum originated as more of a medicinal ingredient, it has evolved into a popular decorating sugar. The large crystal size achieves an eye-catching sparkle and crunch on desserts.

How to Use Diamond Shruum

Diamond shruum lends a lovely sweet crunch to a variety of foods. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:

Baked Goods

Diamond shruum makes an excellent topping for cakes, cookies, scones, muffins, and pastries. Sprinkle it on before baking or use it to decorate baked goods after cooking. The heat helps set the crystals so they stay crunchy.

Cereals and Oatmeal

Add some extra sweet crunch to your morning bowl of cereal or oatmeal by sprinkling on diamond shruum. Let it soak in a little to lightly sweeten the milk too.

Fruit and Yogurt

Fresh fruit is complemented perfectly by the sparkling crunch of diamond shruum. It’s great on fruit salads, parfaits, and yogurt bowls. The sugar crystals also help prevent cut fruit from getting too soft or watery over time.

Beverages

Add a special touch to hot or cold beverages by using diamond shruum. Rim glassware with it or simply sprinkle some in drinks like coffee, tea, lemonade, and cocktails.

Candy Making

Diamond shruum can be used to coat truffles, caramels, brittles, and lollipops. Dip candy pieces in melted chocolate then coat in diamond shruum before the chocolate sets.

Pie Crusts

For an extra sweet and crunchy touch, sprinkle diamond shruum on pie crusts before baking. It develops into a lovely crystallized texture along the edges and top.

Nutrition Information

Diamond shruum is very similar in nutritional value to regular white sugar. However, it differs slightly:

• Higher sucrose content - Nearly 100% sucrose vs around 99.9% in white sugar.
• Slightly fewer calories - Around 95 calories per ounce compared to 115 calories for white sugar.
• Glycemic index - Diamond shruum has a lower GI of around 87 compared to a GI of 65 for white sugar.
• Less processed - Diamond shruum undergoes less processing compared to completely refined white sugar.

Overall, diamond shruum provides nearly identical nutrition to regular crystallized sucrose. It offers carbohydrates and calories, but minimal vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants. It’s considered an added sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Where to Buy Diamond Shruum

Diamond shruum can be found in the baking aisle at most major grocery stores. Some locations to find it include:

• Grocery stores - Sold in bags or containers in the baking section near sugars and sprinkles.
• Specialty baking supply stores - Available in the decorating section.
• Bulk food stores - Often sold from bulk bins where you can purchase desired amounts.
• Online - Sold through online grocery delivery services and baking websites.
• Specialty markets - Found at stores specializing in imported goods.

When purchasing diamond shruum, look for large, intact crystals. Avoid any bags where the sugar appears overly crushed or powdery. Also check the expiration date for freshness.

Cost of Diamond Shruum

Diamond shruum typically costs a little more than regular white sugar. Expect to pay around:

• $3 to $5 for 8 ounces
• $5 to $8 for 1 pound
• 80 cents to $1.50 per ounce

Prices vary based on brand, quantity, and source. Buying in bulk or from bulk bins can help lower the cost per ounce. Handmade, gourmet versions also usually cost more than commercially made products.

Making Your Own Diamond Shruum

It’s possible to make diamond shruum at home with just sugar and water. Here is an overview of the process:

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring or flavor extracts (optional)
• Skewers or food-safe sticks

Directions

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Allow to boil until it reaches 300-310°F on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and allow bubbles to subside.
4. Add food coloring or extracts (optional).
5. Dip skewers in the syrup then let excess drip off.
6. Lay skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Let sit 24-48 hours until hard and crystallized.
8. Remove sugar crystals from skewers and break into pieces.
9. Store in an airtight container.

The key is slowly forming sugar crystals on the skewers. Patience results in large, high-quality crystals. Use within a few weeks for best texture.

Storing Diamond Shruum

To extend its shelf life, store diamond shruum in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it will keep for 1-2 years at room temperature. Signs it may be expired include odor changes, clumping, powdery texture, or loss of sweetness. For peak freshness, try using within 6-12 months if possible.

Uses Beyond the Kitchen

While best known as a baking ingredient, diamond shruum has some other interesting uses as well. Here are a few creative ways to use it beyond the kitchen:

• Fill vases and jars for decorative sparkle
• Use to rim cocktail glasses
• Create tablescape decorations
• Add to homemade scrub recipes
• Make kid-friendly sensory bins
• Sprinkle in wedding favors or gift bags

Let your creativity run wild! The sparkly crystals can add a special touch to gifts, decor, and DIY projects.

Fun Facts About Diamond Shruum

• The world's largest rock candy was over 27 pounds!
• It takes about 7-14 days for crystals to fully form in homemade versions.
• The technical term is "sucrose crystals".
• It's sometimes called "sugar glass" for its glass-like appearance.
• Diamond shruum dissolves more slowly than regular sugar.
• The crystals form through a process called nucleation.
• It's used to simulate ice, glass, diamonds, and other materials in movies.

Tips for Using Diamond Shruum

• Avoid crushing or breaking the crystals too much so they keep their crunch.
• Store in an airtight container away from humidity.
• Use within 6-12 months for best texture.
• Sprinkle on top of moist or dry foods depending on your preference.
• Pair it with contrasting colors and textures.
• Use it sparingly as it's very sweet.
• Make sure foods coated in diamond shruum are completely dry before storing.
• Add it towards the end to prevent melting or clumping.
• Hand-crush it over items for an extra-crunchy, sparkling effect.

Creative Ways to Use Diamond Shruum

Looking for unique ways to use diamond shruum? Here are some creative ideas to try:

• Coat cake pops or lollipops
• Use as "ice" in hot cocoa or coffee drinks
• Make rainbow-colored rock candy skewers
• Add to cookie or brownie batter
• Use instead of sanding sugar on shortbread
• Add to granola, snack mix, trail mix
• Sprinkle on churros, funnel cakes, pancakes
• Coat the rims of margarita or other cocktail glasses
• Decorate cheesecakes, ice cream sundaes
• Make DIY glitter jars or vases

With its sparkle, sweetness, and crunch, the possibilities are endless! Let diamond shruum add some magic to your kitchen creations and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is diamond shruum the same as rock candy?

Yes, diamond shruum and rock candy refer to the same type of large-crystalized sugar. The terms are interchangeable.

Is it safe to eat diamond shruum?

Diamond shruum is perfectly safe to eat. However, it should be consumed in moderation since it is essentially pure sugar.

What sweeteners can be used to make diamond shruum?

Traditionally it is made from sucrose sugar. But it's possible to make sugar-free versions using alternative sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or xylitol.

How long does homemade diamond shruum last?

Homemade versions will last 1-2 months stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Commercially made versions can last 1-2 years unopened.

Can you use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar. The crystals will have a light brown hue and subtle molasses flavor.

Is diamond shruum gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, diamond shruum is naturally gluten-free and vegan since it only contains sucrose crystals derived from sugar cane or sugar beets.

FAQs

What's the difference between diamond shruum and sanding sugar?

Sanding sugar has a smaller, finer crystal size compared to the large, sparkly rocks of diamond shruum. Sanding sugar dissolves faster and provides less crunch.

Can you use diamond shruum in place of regular granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of diamond shruum for regular granulated sugar in recipes. However, the texture will be much crunchier with larger sugar crystals.

Is there a difference between white and colored diamond shruum?

Colored diamond shruum is typically just white diamond shruum that has food coloring added. The flavor is basically the same.

What desserts work well with diamond shruum?

Diamond shruum pairs deliciously with cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, scones, pies, cheesecakes, parfaits, muffins, and more.

Can you use diamond shruum to make rock candy?

Yes, diamond shruum can be used to make rock candy by re-crystallizing it into formations on sticks or strings. This reverses the process used to create it.