
sugar
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)
Green Enchilada Sauce
Green Enchilada Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Green Mango Pie
Green Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection
Green Mango Relish
Green Mango Relish from the Recidemia collection
Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad
Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad from the Recidemia collection
Green Pea Pods with Butter
Green Pea Pods with Butter from the Recidemia collection
Green Tomato Chutney
Green Tomato Chutney from the Recidemia collection
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.
Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup
Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup from the Recidemia collection
Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup
Grilled Bananas with Coffee Syrup from the Recidemia collection
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.
Grilled Fruit Pouches
Grilled Fruit Pouches from the Recidemia collection
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.
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
Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze
Grilled Vegetables with Miso Glaze from the Recidemia collection
Groundnut Candy
Groundnut Candy from the Recidemia collection
Grouper New Orleans
Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group
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.
Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes
Guatemalan Marinated Tomatoes from the Recidemia collection
Guava Jam
Guava Jam from the Recidemia collection
Guiltless Brownies
Guiltless Brownies from the Recidemia collection
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.
Guinness Potato Salad
Try this delicious and spicy Irish salad. For vegetarians, use tofu instead of bacon. Tastes great! Serves 6.

Gulab Jamuns
Gulab Jamuns
Gurkensalat
Another beloved family recipe.
Guyanese Baked Coconut Custard
Guyanese Baked Coconut Custard from the Recidemia collection
Guyanese Banana Fritters
Guyanese Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Guyanese Bread and Butter Pudding
Guyanese Bread and Butter Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Guyanese Corn Pone
Guyanese Corn Pone from the Recidemia collection
Guyanese Four Bean Salad
Guyanese Four Bean Salad from the Recidemia collection
Guyanese Hot Cross Buns
Guyanese Hot Cross Buns from the Recidemia collection
Gwetche Kuchen
Plum cakes
Gyros
Gyros from the Recidemia collection

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.
Gyuvetch
Gyuvetch from the Recidemia collection
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.
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.
Habichuelas con Dulce
Habichuelas con Dulce from the Recidemia collection
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.
Hai Sun Bal Yu
Abalone and sea cucumber. It is very important to use fresh abalone and sea cucumber in this dish.
Haitian Coleslaw
Haitian Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection
Haitian Doughboys
Contributed by Zachary Bingel

Haitian Flan
Haitian Flan from the Recidemia collection
Haitian French Toast
Haitian French Toast from the Recidemia collection
Halloween Party Mix Sweet and Salty
Halloween Party Mix Sweet and Salty from the Recidemia collection
Halloween Popcorn Balls
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Halloween Popcorn Grunch
Serving Size: 10
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.
Halvasan
Halvasan from the Recidemia collection
Halwaua-e-Aurd-e-Sujee
Halwaua-e-Aurd-e-Sujee from the Recidemia collection
Hamburger Spanish Rice
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group Serves 4 to 6.