
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)
Incredible Pancakes with Strawberries
Purchased from the O'Reilly Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988. Dated 1964. These are the most incredible pancakes. I tried them on my husband on his birthday and now it's a dish he requests 2 – 3 times a month.
Indian Tomato Juice
Indian Tomato Juice from the Recidemia collection
Individual Cheesecakes
A speedy cheesecake is great for the single person.
Individual Summer Puddings
Makes 4 servings.
Indonesian Chicken
When I found the recipe, it was called Indonesian Chicken, and, not being Indonesian or knowing anyone from Indonesia, I can neither confirm nor deny that this is, indeed, Indonesian Chicken.
Ingefærkage
Gingerbread - Serves 2 Ingefærkage
Instant Coffee Wine
Instant Coffee Wine from the Recidemia collection
Instant Kimchi
300px| Instant Kimchi Yield: 4 servings
Instant Malasadas
Didya know? There's a large population of Portuguese in Hawaii. Malasadas are the favorite donut of Hawaii. They are sold at carnivals every summer and many bakeries around the state. This is a poor imitation of a really good malasada...
Iraqi Bread Salad
Iraqi Bread Salad from the Recidemia collection
Iraqi Cardamom Cookies (Hadgi Badah)
Iraqi Cardamom Cookies (Hadgi Badah) from the Recidemia collection
Iraqi Pomegranate Soup - (Shorbat Rumman)
Iraqi Pomegranate Soup - (Shorbat Rumman) from the Recidemia collection
Irish Avocado Buttermilk Sherbet
Try this deliciously fruity sherbet.
Irish Buttermilk Scones
These scones are the perfect complement to morning coffee or afternoon tea. Serve scones hot with your favorite jam.
Irish Cabbage and Potato Slaw
This recipe tastes best when the cabbage and carrots are still crunchy to the bite. Makes 12 servings.
Irish fruit cake
This is a variation of fruit cake that originated in Ireland.
Irish Key Lime Meringue Pie
The combination of a bit of Irish whiskey and tangy lime flavor in this meringue pie make it the perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day. Makes 8 servings.
Irish Scones
Irish Scones from the Recidemia collection
Irish Stew
Irish Stew is a traditional Irish dish made from lamb or mutton as well as potatoes, onions and parsley. It originated in Ireland but appears in cookbooks all over Europe, including in Escoffier's Guide Culinaire.
Israeli Chocolate Matzo Roll
Serves 8 or more.
Israeli Donuts - Chanukah
Israeli Donuts - Chanukah from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Doughnuts
Israeli Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Halvah Parfait
Israeli Halvah Parfait from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Honey Orange Muffins
Israeli Honey Orange Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Marinated Raw Vegetable Salad
Israeli Marinated Raw Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection
Israeli Potato Salad
Israeli Potato Salad from the Recidemia collection
Italian Bread
=Italian Bread=
Italian Chocolate-Ricotta Cake
Italian Chocolate-Ricotta Cake from the Recidemia collection
Italian Chops and Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Italian Rice Pudding
Italian Rice Pudding
Italian Sausage Soup
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Italian Steak and Rice
Makes 4 servings.
Italian-style Chili
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Borden, In
Ivoirian Peanut Soup
Ivoirian Peanut Soup from the Recidemia collection
Jackass Corn (Coconut Biscuits)
Jackass Corn (Coconut Biscuits) from the Recidemia collection
Jakarta Delight
My friend gave this recipe to me a long time ago and my family loves it! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Jamaican Carrot Milk Drink
Jamaican Carrot Milk Drink from the Recidemia collection
Jamaican Cole Slaw
Jamaican Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection
Jamaican Orange Pie
Jamaican Orange Pie from the Recidemia collection
Jasmine Rice Pudding
Serves 6 to 8.
Jellyfish Salad with Sesame
That's a Chinese jellyfish recipe How to Make Cold Jellyfish Salad on eHow.com
Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll is a sweet dessert.
Jerinkitz Peppers
Jerinkitz Peppers from the Recidemia collection
Jerk Marinade
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Jiaozi I
Jiaozi - Wanton of the North The wanton of the North. Different filling, different taste, but the idea is the same ... a combination of meat or vegetables wrapped with a thin sheet of dough.
Jiu Niang Wo Dan
Egg soup in wine dreg

Jjinmandu
Steamed dumplings Jjinmandu
Jocose Julep
A Bourbon drink.
Jordanas Banana Choc-Chip Muffins
Makes 24 Muffins.
Jordan's Banana Pudding
Jordan's Banana Pudding from the Recidemia collection