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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)

RCI-SC.005.0066.001

Green Enchilada Sauce

Green Enchilada Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0150.001

Green Mango Pie

Green Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0138.001

Green Mango Relish

Green Mango Relish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0145.001

Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad

Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0612.001

Green Pea Pods with Butter

Green Pea Pods with Butter from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0139.001

Green Tomato Chutney

Green Tomato Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0140.001

Green Tomato Relish

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Poe Estate in Justin, Texas in 1987.

RCI-MT.002.0125.002

Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup

Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0125.001

Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup

Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0038.001

Grilled Chili Rubbed Lamb Chops

Purchased from the Colvin Estate in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1989. Dated 1952. This one is marked as Robbie’s Favorite Lamb Dish.

RCI-DS.004.0140.001

Grilled Fruit Pouches

Grilled Fruit Pouches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0126.001

Grilled Korean Pork Chops

Grilled Korean Pork Chops Marinate from 1 hour to overnight and grill. This recipe is for 6 servings. Preparation: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

RCI-MT.001.0126.001

Grilled Lemongrass Beef

Grilled Lemongrass Beef from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain goverment resource

RCI-VG.004.0629.001

Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze

Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0159.001

Groundnut Candy

Groundnut Candy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0182.001

Grouper New Orleans

Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.001.0264.001

Guamanian Pudding Dessert

You may use homemade or storebought slices of pound cake for the base of this dessert, whichever you prefer. Plan ahead when preparing this, as it requires time to chill the pudding before you can assemble the dessert. 10-15 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0281.001

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes

Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0019.001

Guava Jam

Guava Jam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0337.001

Guiltless Brownies

Guiltless Brownies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0257.001

Guinness Cake

Guinness Cake is very popular during St. Patrick's Day. It's also quick and easy to make. Guinness Cake is best eaten after a week of it being sealed in an airtight container.

RCI-VG.002.0053.001

Guinness Potato Salad

Try this delicious and spicy Irish salad. For vegetarians, use tofu instead of bacon. Tastes great! Serves 6.

Gulab Jamuns
RCI-DS.003.0160.001

Gulab Jamuns

Gulab Jamuns

RCI-VG.001.0283.001

Gurkensalat

Another beloved family recipe.

RCI-DS.001.0266.001

Guyanese Baked Coconut Custard

Guyanese Baked Coconut Custard from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0172.001

Guyanese Banana Fritters

Guyanese Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0267.001

Guyanese Bread and Butter Pudding

Guyanese Bread and Butter Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0221.001

Guyanese Corn Pone

Guyanese Corn Pone from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.003.0071.001

Guyanese Four Bean Salad

Guyanese Four Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0112.001

Guyanese Hot Cross Buns

Guyanese Hot Cross Buns from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0113.001

Gwetche Kuchen

Plum cakes

RCI-SW.004.0029.001

Gyros

Gyros from the Recidemia collection

Gyudon
RCI-MT.001.0130.001

Gyudon

Gyudon is often literally translated into English as beef bowl. It is a Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion simmered in a mildly sweet sauce flavored with dashi, soy sauce and mirin. It also often includes shirataki.

RCI-SP.004.0164.002

Gyuvetch

Gyuvetch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0143.001

Habanero Apple Chutney

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Roark Estate in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1984. The longer this sits the better.

RCI-DS.005.0020.001

Habanero Pepper Jelly

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gonzales Estate in Crandall, Texas in 1980.

RCI-DS.001.0268.001

Habichuelas con Dulce

Habichuelas con Dulce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0083.001

Hae-mool Pajun

Pajun is made of flour, water, egg and other ingredients and has a circular shape. You pour it into a pan like you would pancake batter. Hae-mool means seafood.

RCI-SP.003.0305.001

Hai Sun Bal Yu

Abalone and sea cucumber. It is very important to use fresh abalone and sea cucumber in this dish.

RCI-VG.001.0287.001

Haitian Coleslaw

Haitian Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0174.001

Haitian Doughboys

Contributed by Zachary Bingel

Haitian Flan
RCI-DS.001.0269.001

Haitian Flan

Haitian Flan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0035.001

Haitian French Toast

Haitian French Toast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0078.001

Halloween Party Mix Sweet and Salty

Halloween Party Mix Sweet and Salty from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0163.001

Halloween Popcorn Balls

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.004.0079.001

Halloween Popcorn Grunch

Serving Size: 10

RCI-VG.004.0641.001

Halo Halo

Halo-Halo (translated "mix-mix") is a delicious, cold Filipino dessert made with with ice, milk and a whole mixture of other yummy stuff, all mixed together in a tall glass.

RCI-DS.001.0271.001

Halvasan

Halvasan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0272.001

Halwaua-e-Aurd-e-Sujee

Halwaua-e-Aurd-e-Sujee from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0134.001

Hamburger Spanish Rice

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 4 to 6.