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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-BR.008.0094.001

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.

RCI-BV.009.0041.001

Indian Tomato Juice

Indian Tomato Juice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0281.001

Individual Cheesecakes

A speedy cheesecake is great for the single person.

RCI-DS.004.0156.001

Individual Summer Puddings

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0490.001

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.

RCI-BR.004.0283.001

Ingefærkage

Gingerbread - Serves 2 Ingefærkage

RCI-PF.004.0008.001

Instant Coffee Wine

Instant Coffee Wine from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0081.001

Instant Kimchi

300px| Instant Kimchi Yield: 4 servings

RCI-BR.003.0238.001

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...

RCI-VG.001.0315.001

Iraqi Bread Salad

Iraqi Bread Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0364.001

Iraqi Cardamom Cookies (Hadgi Badah)

Iraqi Cardamom Cookies (Hadgi Badah) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0341.001

Iraqi Pomegranate Soup - (Shorbat Rumman)

Iraqi Pomegranate Soup - (Shorbat Rumman) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0110.001

Irish Avocado Buttermilk Sherbet

Try this deliciously fruity sherbet.

RCI-BR.003.0241.001

Irish Buttermilk Scones

These scones are the perfect complement to morning coffee or afternoon tea. Serve scones hot with your favorite jam.

RCI-VG.001.0317.001

Irish Cabbage and Potato Slaw

This recipe tastes best when the cabbage and carrots are still crunchy to the bite. Makes 12 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0285.001

Irish fruit cake

This is a variation of fruit cake that originated in Ireland.

RCI-BR.006.0162.001

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.

RCI-BR.003.0242.001

Irish Scones

Irish Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0181.002

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.

RCI-DS.003.0180.001

Israeli Chocolate Matzo Roll

Serves 8 or more.

RCI-BR.003.0244.001

Israeli Donuts - Chanukah

Israeli Donuts - Chanukah from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0245.001

Israeli Doughnuts

Israeli Doughnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0111.001

Israeli Halvah Parfait

Israeli Halvah Parfait from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0246.001

Israeli Honey Orange Muffins

Israeli Honey Orange Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0319.001

Israeli Marinated Raw Vegetable Salad

Israeli Marinated Raw Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0066.001

Israeli Potato Salad

Israeli Potato Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0131.001

Italian Bread

=Italian Bread=

RCI-BR.004.0290.001

Italian Chocolate-Ricotta Cake

Italian Chocolate-Ricotta Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0183.001

Italian Chops and Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0286.001

Italian Rice Pudding

Italian Rice Pudding

RCI-SP.003.0347.001

Italian Sausage Soup

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-MT.001.0139.001

Italian Steak and Rice

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0348.001

Italian-style Chili

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Borden, In

RCI-SP.005.0122.001

Ivoirian Peanut Soup

Ivoirian Peanut Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0366.001

Jackass Corn (Coconut Biscuits)

Jackass Corn (Coconut Biscuits) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0158.001

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!

RCI-DS.005.0024.001

Jamaican Carrot Milk Drink

Jamaican Carrot Milk Drink from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0326.001

Jamaican Cole Slaw

Jamaican Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0159.001

Jamaican Orange Pie

Jamaican Orange Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0288.001

Jasmine Rice Pudding

Serves 6 to 8.

RCI-SN.003.0142.001

Jellyfish Salad with Sesame

That's a Chinese jellyfish recipe How to Make Cold Jellyfish Salad on eHow.com

RCI-BR.004.0292.001

Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll is a sweet dessert.

RCI-VG.005.0084.001

Jerinkitz Peppers

Jerinkitz Peppers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0172.001

Jerk Marinade

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-EG.003.0078.001

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.

RCI-EG.002.0046.001

Jiu Niang Wo Dan

Egg soup in wine dreg

Jjinmandu
RCI-ND.007.0031.001

Jjinmandu

Steamed dumplings Jjinmandu

RCI-BV.001.0108.001

Jocose Julep

A Bourbon drink.

RCI-BR.003.0249.001

Jordanas Banana Choc-Chip Muffins

Makes 24 Muffins.

RCI-DS.001.0290.001

Jordan's Banana Pudding

Jordan's Banana Pudding from the Recidemia collection