Skip to content

sugar

SweetenersYear-round. Refined sugar is a shelf-stable commodity product available continuously; however, specialty sugars such as fresh cane juice and maple syrup have distinct seasonal availability tied to harvest periods.

Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.

About

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.

Culinary Uses

Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.

Used In

Recipes Using sugar (2,800)

Cocadas
RCI-DS.003.0093.001

Cocadas

right|Cocadas

RCI-SN.003.0095.001

Cocktail Kebabs

Cocktail Kebabs is a delicious recipe that you can cook quickly and easily.

RCI-BR.001.0061.001

Cocoa Bread

300px| Cocoa Bread Makes 1 loaf

RCI-BR.004.0178.001

Cocoa Cake

Cocoa Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0196.001

Cocoa Cookies

Cocoa Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0197.001

Cocoa Fruit Cookies

Cocoa Fruit Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0179.001

Cocoa Fudge Cake

Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boy's and Girls, out of copyright

RCI-BV.005.0024.001

Cocoa Liqueur

). For lighter flavour, Cocoa Powder can be cut by as much as half (yield will also be slightly higher), add sugar to saturation point and/or to taste. Yield approx.

RCI-BV.008.0022.002

Cocoa Mix

300px| Cocoa Mix A River of Re

RCI-BR.005.0199.001

Cocoanut Biscuits

Cocoanut Biscuits from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0200.001

Cocoanut Cookies

Cocoanut Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0201.001

Cocoanut Cream Cookies

Cocoanut Cream Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0202.001

Cocoanut Macaroons

Cocoanut Macaroons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.004.0058.001

Coco Loco

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-BR.002.0027.001

Coconut bake

Coconut bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0141.001

Coconut Bread I

300px| Coconut Bread

RCI-DS.003.0097.001

Coconut Candy (Uganda)

In Tanzania Kashatas are a great favorite in the market place and in Tanzanian homes they are served at tea time instead of cakes or cookies.

RCI-DS.001.0159.001

Coconut-Caramel Custard

This recipe takes about 50 minutes to cook.

RCI-SN.004.0042.001

Coconut Carrot Bread

.

RCI-BR.004.0182.001

Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake

Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0076.002

Coconut Chutney

is served as a side dish for a lot of Indian snacks and breakfast items. It can be mild to extra hot depending on the individual preference. This recipe is from South India.

RCI-BR.005.0203.001

Coconut Cookies

Coconut Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0161.001

Coconut Custard I

Coconut Custard I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0095.001

Coconut Fish Curry Parcels

* Serves 4

RCI-BR.003.0143.001

Coconut Gulgula

Coconut Gulgula from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0086.001

Coconut Jam Tart

Lovely coconut jam tart

RCI-RC.004.0086.001

Coconut Rice with Beans

Coconut Rice with Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0087.001

Coconut Rice with Red Beans

Coconut Rice with Red Beans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0144.001

Coconut Roast Bake

Coconut Roast Bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0206.001

Coconut Snaps

* Makes 48

RCI-BR.006.0088.001

Coconuts Pie

Coconuts Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0103.001

Coconut Sugar Cakes

Coconut Sugar Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0064.001

Coconut Sweet Bread

Coconut Sweet Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0145.001

Coffee Cake Recipe

This cake with coffee is refreshing for all coffee lovers. This simple preparation takes only about an hour to complete. The crispy and crunchy walnuts, the sweet vanilla flavor and the coffee mix provides a treat to all those who loves coffee cakes.

RCI-BR.004.0184.001

Coffee Can Cakes

Coffee Can Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0207.001

Coffee Cookie

Coffee Cookie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0164.001

Coffee Custard

Coffee Custard

RCI-RC.005.0031.001

Coffee Date Rice Cream

Makes 12 servings.

RCI-DS.002.0050.001

Coffee Ice-cream

In Romanian: Inghetata de cafea

RCI-BR.005.0209.001

Coffee Kisses

A friend of mine, Della, brought these to work about 20 years ago. They were a hit among all of us who like coffee. Even though I moved shortly after that, I still remember our last Christmas at work when I make these.

RCI-BR.005.0210.001

Coffee Meringue Kisses

These cookies - said to have been a favorite with Marie Antoinette - are 100 percent fat-free, and have about 20 calories per cookie. They also have no flour, so would be good for someone who isn't able to eat wheat.

RCI-DS.004.0079.002

Coffee Rum Glazed Apples

Coffee Rum Glazed Apples from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0079.001

Coffee Rum Glazed Apples

Coffee Rum Glazed Apples from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0167.001

Cointreau Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-SP.006.0023.001

Cold Buttermilk Soup

Cold Buttermilk Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0168.001

Cold Rhubarb Soufflé

Cold Rhubarb Soufflé from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0018.001

Cold Rice Drink (Fresco de Arroz)

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Coleslaw
RCI-VG.001.0163.002

Coleslaw

Contributed by Dorie at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Momsmenuplan/

RCI-DS.001.0169.001

Colombian Mango Delight

Colombian Mango Delight

RCI-MT.004.0286.001

Colonial Duckling with Fruited Rice

Makes 6 servings.