#Fair Trade #Kai City #Muscovado Sugar #Philippine Sugar

Cooking with Fair Trade Muscovado Sugar: A Culinary Event

On May 27th, 2026, the Yamanashi Nagano Cooperative, led by Chairperson Shigeko Furuya, will host a unique cooking event at the Kai Center in Yamanashi, focused on using fair trade muscovado sugar from the Philippines to enrich traditional Japanese meals. This event will run from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and aims to showcase both recipes and the story behind the ingredients.

Deep Flavor Profile of Muscovado Sugar

The main ingredient used during this cooking session is muscovado sugar, provided by Alter Trade Japan (ATJ), based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This sugar is known for its rich flavor, which is preserved by pressing the sugar cane quickly after harvest and allowing slow evaporation. This process enhances its mineral content and results in a complex, yet refreshing sweetness, making it an excellent secret ingredient for various Japanese dishes. Participants will learn how to make numerous dishes enhanced by the muscovado sugar, including meat miso, sesame green beans, pickled mini tomatoes, and homemade ginger ale.

The event will be led by members of the Fair Trade Supporter community, who will share insights about using muscovado sugar and the beneficial impacts of fair trade practices. Attendees are encouraged to engage with the presentations about the sugar and its innovative applications in Japanese cuisine.

In addition, representatives from ATJ will be present to discuss the organizational story of former sugar cane workers from Negros Island, who have formed a cooperative to produce muscovado sugar together. They will delve into the history of fair trade as a form of 'people-to-people trade', highlighting the connectedness of producers and consumers through sustainable practices that have withstood the tests of time, including trade in bananas and shrimp.

About the Cooking Event: Relevant Details

• - Date: May 27th, 2026, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• - Location: Kai Center Cooking Room, Yamanashi Nagano Cooperative, 3590-1 Shimo-Imai, Kai City, Yamanashi
• - Dishes to be Prepared: Meat Miso, Sesame Green Beans, Pickled Mini Tomatoes, Homemade Ginger Ale
• - Organizer: Fair Trade Supporters
• - Instructor: Representatives from Alter Trade Japan
• - Participants: 16 people

Background on Muscovado Sugar Trade

The story of muscovado sugar trade began in the 1980s on Negros Island, Philippines, when agricultural workers faced severe famine. Known as the