lb sugar
Provides rapid carbohydrate energy at approximately 4 calories per gram and consists of simple carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed; contains no fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals in meaningful quantities.
About
Granulated sugar, or sucrose, is a disaccharide carbohydrate composed of glucose and fructose molecules bonded together, derived primarily from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris). The white crystalline form results from a multi-stage refining process that extracts, concentrates, and crystallizes the juice from these plants, removing molasses and impurities.
Granulated sugar is characterized by uniform, medium-sized crystals that dissolve readily in liquids and distribute evenly through batters and doughs. Its neutral, clean sweetness lacks the complex flavors of unrefined sugars, making it the most versatile sweetening agent in global cuisine. The term "table sugar" refers to this refined granulated form.
Culinary Uses
Granulated sugar serves as the foundational sweetener in baking, desserts, beverages, and preserved foods across virtually all culinary traditions. It functions both as a flavor component and as a functional ingredient—creaming sugar with butter incorporates air into batters, raising dough structures; in meringues it stabilizes whipped egg whites; in caramel it creates depth through controlled browning. Beyond sweets, sugar balances acidity in sauces, enhances savory dishes in Asian cuisines, and enables fermentation in preserved goods. The neutral flavor profile makes it suitable for both delicate applications (fine pastries) and robust preparations (barbecue glazes).