Did you know that there is a typical Belgian sweet treasure that turns every pancake into a childhood memory and transforms a simple yogurt into a festive dessert? Cassonade Graeffe, a genuine Belgian product, is one of those Belgian specialties that make our online Belgian grocery store so well known. At Belices.be, we offer it in a 1 kg family pack, with delivery of Belgian products in France and throughout the European Union, so that the authenticity of Belgian taste comes to your home, wherever you are.
The story of a Brussels invention that has become a culinary icon
It all began in Brussels, in Molenbeek, in 1859. Karl Gräffe, an industrialist of German origin who quickly became known in Belgium as Charles Graeffe, developed a groundbreaking method there: the first “cassonade” made from sugar beets. At a time when cassonade usually referred to cane sugar, Graeffe broke new ground by processing sugar beets and combining sugar and syrup to obtain this characteristic grain, with its golden sheen and incomparable softness. The success was immediate. The family business was transformed into a public limited company in 1929, and in 1953 the brand was taken over by the large Belgian sugar company from Tienen. Since then, Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has continued this expertise in Belgium, ensuring the continuity of a national tradition that dates back more than a century.
Graeffe, vergeoise, and cassonade de canne: putting words and flavors in their place
The terms are often confused, so let's be clear. Cassonade Graeffe is a light brown sugar made from sugar beets, with a process that gives it a soft, slightly moist, and melting texture, and a blonde color with golden reflections. In France, the word “cassonade” is traditionally associated with cane sugar, while “vergeoise” refers to brown sugar made from sugar beets. Graeffe therefore differs from cane sugar in its origin from sugar beets and from vergeoise in its production method and its more delicate and melt-in-the-mouth organoleptic profile. The result: when tasted, Graeffe melts immediately, coating the preparations, rounding off the bitterness and developing soft, not too heavy caramel notes.
Texture, taste, color: the characteristics of Graeffe in three sensations
The texture is fine, soft, and almost velvety; it sinks slightly when pressed and then spreads without forming lumps. It melts immediately in the mouth, the sweetness is clear but balanced by a hint of caramel and syrup, more reminiscent of cooked blonde sugar than dark molasses. Finally, the color is golden blond and clear, ideal for sweetening pasta, creams, and preparations without making them overly dark. It is precisely this combination of texture, taste, and color that makes it a favorite ingredient in the B
The Belgian uses that make it legendary
Cassonade Graeffe is ubiquitous in Belgian households. It is sprinkled on warm pancakes and waffles, mixed with maquée (Belgian quark) for a quick snack, used to flavor rice pudding or melting baked apples, and spread in a thin layer on a slice of bread—the simplest and perhaps most Belgian of pleasures. It is also added to cookie dough, softens homemade speculaas, rounds out sweet and sour sauces, and adds a caramelized touch to cake, crumble, or a revamped tiramisu. It is easy to measure out, melts easily, and is the ideal ally for both everyday preparations and festive desserts.
A tradition of Belgian craftsmanship, carried on by Belices.be
More than just sugar, Graeffe is a piece of Belgian history. Invented in Brussels/Molenbeek by Karl/Charles Graeffe in 1859, consolidated industrially in 1929 and carried on since 1953 by Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, it embodies a tradition of Belgian expertise that has been passed down through the generations without losing its soul. At Belices.be, we defend this authenticity by offering you Graeffe brown sugar 1 kg from Tirlemont at the best price, with multilingual customer service (French, Dutch, English) and logistics designed for France and the European Union. If you are looking for Belgian specialties to give as gifts, or simply want to rediscover the true taste of an iconic Belgian product, our store is your trusted source for fast and careful delivery of Belgian products to France.
Storage tips to preserve its softness
To maintain the soft texture and instant melt-in-the-mouth quality that Graeffe is renowned for, store your packet in a cool, dry place, away from temperature fluctuations, in an airtight jar if possible. Well protected from excessive moisture and drying out, brown sugar retains its organoleptic qualities for a long time and remains ready to use in your everyday recipes.
Order authentic Belgian Cassonade Graeffe
As you can see, Cassonade Graeffe is not just brown sugar, it is a Brussels invention, Belgian expertise, and a unique flavor that enhances your recipes. Bring this icon into your kitchen and rediscover the authenticity of our desserts. Order your 1 kg bag of Graeffe Tirlemont brown sugar now at Belices.be. Our online Belgian grocery store delivers anywhere in France and the European Union—because the best Belgian specialties to give as gifts are those that can be enjoyed, shared, and received at home, simply.. Notre épicerie belge en ligne vous livre partout en France et dans l’Union européenne — parce que les meilleures spécialités belges à offrir sont celles que l’on peut savourer, partager et recevoir chez soi, simplement.
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Discover how brown sugar is made in the video below