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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-SN.002.0185.001

Kothimbir Vadi

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-BR.005.0375.001

Kourabiethes

Kourabiethes Small almond cakes

RCI-BR.007.0075.001

Kovoqli Varaki Somsa

Pumpkin samsa

RCI-BR.001.0142.001

Kringel

Kringel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0376.001

Krustini Rusks or Country Biscuits

* Serves 4

RCI-DS.004.0162.001

Kuay Namuan

* Serves. 6

RCI-VG.004.0758.001

Kuddi

Kuddi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0103.001

Kue Mangkok

Cup cakes

RCI-DS.001.0296.001

Kyaukchaw

Kyaukchaw (Seaweed Jelly) is a refreshing and sweet Burmese dessert.

RCI-BR.003.0252.001

Kyrgyz Gingerbread

Kyrgyz Gingerbread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0150.001

Kyujachae

Mustard salad. "Kyujachae" is cold vegetable salad and the hot mustard imparts its main flavour.

Laura Bush's Hot Chocolate
RCI-BV.008.0053.001

Laura Bush's Hot Chocolate

Regardless of political orientation, everyone likes hot chocolate, right?

RCI-BR.007.0076.001

Lavang Lata

Ethnicity - Central India Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-DS.001.0297.001

Lavender Cheesecake

.

RCI-BR.005.0378.001

Lavender Cookie Bars

Lavender Cookie Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0766.001

Lavender Ice Cream

.

RCI-PF.005.0005.001

Lavender Jelly

.

RCI-BR.005.0380.001

Lavender Shortbread

.

RCI-BR.003.0254.001

Lavender Walnut Scones

Lavender Walnut Scones from the Recidemia collection

Layered cake with rye bread
RCI-BR.004.0303.001

Layered cake with rye bread

(Danish for "rye bread layered cake") is a cake with whipped cream and layers having grated rye bread. Layered cakes of this type are eaten at birthday parties in Denmark, but this recipe with rye bread is quite rare though.

RCI-VG.004.0768.001

Layered Mochiko Manju

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.001.0301.001

Layered Strawberry Dessert

Fresh ruby red strawberries give your taste buds a treat. The juice is sweet and tantalizing. Even the aroma of fresh berries excites the palate and prepares the way for a great adventure in eating.

RCI-VG.001.0345.001

Layered Tofu Salad

Layered Tofu Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0109.001

Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Bread

RCI-SC.007.0182.001

Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a custard-like dessert sauce made with eggs, lemon juice and zest, sugar, and butter.

RCI-SP.001.0074.001

Lemongrass Beef Soup

Lemongrass Beef Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0532.001

Lemongrass Chicken Satay

Nice unique tasting satay thai style. Simple to prepare but good enough for either a party or a simple family meal.

RCI-BR.006.0168.001

Lemon Impossible Pie

This pie has a unique taste that is very nice. The only thing impossible about it is to know why it is called a pie, as there is no pastry.

Lemon Meringue Pie
RCI-BR.006.0169.001

Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a sweet dessert treat.

RCI-BR.008.0110.001

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine Bread

RCI-BV.009.0045.001

Lemon Sharbat

Lemon Sharbat from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0305.001

Lemon Sponge

American cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Cake

RCI-MT.004.0533.001

Lemon Teriyaki-glazed Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.003.0112.001

Lemon Vinaigrette

Lemon Vinaigrette from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0113.001

Lemony Italian Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-SC.007.0185.001

LEMONY THAI SAUCE

LEMONY THAI SAUCE from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0146.001

Lenten Bread

Lenten Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0306.001

Lenten Chocolate Cake

Lenten Chocolate Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0384.001

Lenten Honey Cookies

Lenten Honey Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0781.001

Lentil Cookies

Contributed by Gloria at

RCI-VG.001.0349.001

Lettuce Salad

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

RCI-BR.004.0309.001

Liberian Cassava Cake

Liberian Cassava Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0312.001

Lica Layered Cake

In Romanian: Tort Lica

RCI-BR.004.0313.001

Light and Easy Chocolate Cheese-filled Angel Cake

Light and Easy Chocolate Cheese-filled Angel Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0163.001

Light and Elegant Berries

Fruit and Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-BR.008.0112.001

Light Fluffy Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine

RCI-BR.004.0314.001

Limburgse Bienenstich

The bienenstich is originally a German cake. The people from Limburg (which borders on Germany) have made their own version of this cake, with slightly different ingredients.

RCI-SC.003.0116.001

Lime Dill Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-BR.004.0315.001

Lísu Brúnterta

Lisa's spiced chocolate cake Lísu Brúnterta

RCI-BR.004.0316.001

Lithuanian Rhubarb Cake

Lithuanian Rhubarb Cake from the Recidemia collection