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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-ND.006.0046.001

Makkarónumjólk

Macaroni in milk Makkarónumjólk

RCI-BR.001.0152.001

Makosbeigli

Poppy seed moon strudel

RCI-MT.004.0551.001

Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li

Makes about 3½ cups or rempah

RCI-SP.005.0143.001

Malay Beef Rantang

The most simple recipe to make rendang, but it still taste delicious. You can use the same ingredients and directions to make Chicken rendang (enough for 1 whole Chicken).

RCI-BV.007.0078.001

Malibu Milk Shake

Contributed by The Bartending School

RCI-BR.001.0153.001

Maltese Biscuits

Maltese Biscuits from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0154.001

Maltese Bread (Hobz)

Serves 4.

RCI-DS.001.0323.001

Maltese Rice Pudding

Serves 4.

RCI-DS.002.0121.001

Mamadou's Banana Glace

This double-strength banana dessert beats a banana split halfway to Dakar! Served with an excellent demitasse, it is a delicious and sophisticated dessert.

RCI-DS.002.0122.001

Mama's Rhubarb and Strawberry Sherbet

Mama's Rhubarb and Strawberry Sherbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0166.001

Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping

Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0198.001

Mamie's Million Dollar Fudge

Mamie's Million Dollar Fudge from the Eisenhower Center, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.004.0328.001

Mandarin orange cake

Mandarin orange cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0325.001

Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0268.001

Mandarin Orange Corn Bread

Submitted by Dick Miale

RCI-SN.002.0202.001

Mandasi

Donuts! These are commonly sold by women in the market or at bus stations to earn a little extra income.

RCI-VG.001.0361.001

Mango-Avocado Tropical Salad

Mango-Avocado Tropical Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0156.001

Mango Beef with Spring Onion

Mango Beef with Spring Onion from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0329.001

Mango Cake

Mango Cake from the Recidemia collection

Mango Chutney
RCI-SC.007.0194.002

Mango Chutney

Mango Chutney is a speciality of the South Indian coastal state of Andhra Pradesh. Mango chutney can be made in many different ways. Chutney is a tasty sauce, and can be served with poppadoms or with the main course.

RCI-BR.006.0187.001

Mango Coconut Pie

Mango Coconut Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0188.001

Mango Cream Cheese Pie

Mango Cream Cheese Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0330.001

Mango Crumb Cake

Mango Crumb Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0331.001

Mango-Custard Kuchen

Mango-Custard Kuchen from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0196.001

Mango Date Chutney

Mango Date Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0169.001

Mangoes with Sticky Rice

Mangoes with Sticky Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0332.001

Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake

Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0025.001

Mango Jam Too!

Mango Jam Too! from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0098.001

Mango Mint Relish

Mango Mint Relish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0200.001

Mango-Nut Ice Cream Topping

Mango-Nut Ice Cream Topping from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0201.001

Mango-Nut Topping

.

RCI-EG.001.0033.001

Mango Omelet

Mango Omelet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0331.001

Mango Orange Bread Pudding

Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0332.001

Mango or Orange Creme

This recipe is for 8 servings.

RCI-DS.005.0026.001

Mango-Papaya Jam

Mango-Papaya Jam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0190.001

Mango Pie

Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0192.001

Mango Pie Too

Mango Pie Too from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0174.001

Mango Raspberry Bread Crisp

Mango Raspberry Bread Crisp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0402.001

Mango Revel Bars

Mango Revel Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0027.001

Mango Rich Preserves

Mango Rich Preserves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0126.001

Mango Slice Ice Cream

Mango Slice Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0127.001

Mango Sorbet

Mango Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0129.001

Mangosteen Sorbet

Magosteen], the queen of tropical fruits, is native to Malaysia. Garcinia mangostana is its botanical name.

RCI-BV.001.0123.001

Mango-Strawberry Daiquiri

.

RCI-VG.005.0112.001

Mango Sweet Pickle

Mango Sweet Pickle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0081.001

Mango Turnovers

Mango Turnovers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0194.001

Mango Upside-down Tart

Mango Upside-down Tart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0195.001

Mango Walnut Pie

.

RCI-PF.004.0010.001

Mantala od Grozdja

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-BR.003.0273.001

Mantecada

Mantecada