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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.004.0373.001

New Zealand Kiwi Cheesecake

1 hour preparation.

RCI-DS.001.0366.001

New Zealand Pavlova

This is a traditional New Zealand summer dessert, rich and sweet easy to make and very impressive. Can be made ahead and frozen for a week or two. As yet have not found anyone who dislikes it.

RCI-DS.001.0367.001

Ngalakh

My husband's favorite, also spelled "ngalax", "ngallakh" or "ngallax".

RCI-MT.002.0191.001

Niamiha Cutlet

Niamiha Cutlet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0410.001

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad

Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0132.001

Nicaraguan Pickled Onions

Nicaraguan Pickled Onions from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0190.001

Nigerian Beef Fried Rice

serves 2

RCI-VG.004.0954.001

Nigerian Black Bean Salad

Chill, and serve

RCI-SN.003.0176.001

Nigerian Chicken Salad

Use up leftover Chicken! Best when allowed to chill for a couple of hours.

RCI-SC.007.0221.001

Nigerian Garlic

12 servings

RCI-SP.004.0230.001

Nikujyaga

Beef and vegetable stew Nikujyaga (Beef and Vegetable Stew)

RCI-BR.005.0436.001

No-bake Peanut Butter Cookie

Contributed by Paula in California at Catsrecipes Y-Grou

RCI-BR.004.0374.001

No cholesterol chocolate cake

No cholesterol chocolate cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0285.001

No-cholesterol Fruit-filled Muffins

No-cholesterol Fruit-filled Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0140.001

No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream

No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.002.0100.001

No-fat Potato Salad

Beef Teriyaki (Goes great with this!)

RCI-DS.001.0372.001

No-guilt cheesecake

No-guilt cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0165.001

No-Knead Bread

No-Knead Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0167.001

No-Knead Cheddar Rolls

No-Knead Cheddar Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0373.001

Non-Alcoholic Tiramisu

Non-Alcoholic Tiramisu from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0170.001

Noni Afghani I

These small oval breads are baked in a tandoor, the stove of the region—sometimes buried in the ground as it is in India. The Afghan oven is above ground and is of rounded bricks.

RCI-ND.005.0088.001

Noodles with Walnuts

In Romanian: Taitei cu nuci

RCI-BR.006.0222.001

Nopalito Pie

Also known as Cactus Pie

RCI-BR.003.0286.001

Norm's Banana Nut Bread

This is Norm's recipe from Norm's Gourmet Works in Negril, Jamaica.

RCI-MT.003.0068.001

North American Haggis

North American Haggis

RCI-MT.002.0193.001

North Carolina Chopped Barbecued Pork

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.001.0416.001

North Carolina Eastern-style Slaw

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Excerpt from page

RCI-BR.003.0287.001

North Carolina Watermelon Muffins

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-VG.005.0133.001

North Carolina Watermelon Pickles

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.006.0223.001

Norwegian Apple Pie

Norwegian Apple Pie

RCI-DS.001.0374.001

Norwegian Berry Pudding

Many different types of berries are grown during the summer months in Norway.

RCI-VG.004.0960.001

Norwegian Red Cabbage

Red Cabbage

RCI-DS.001.0375.001

Norwegian Rice

Norwegian Rice

RCI-BR.001.0171.001

Norwegian Rolls

This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.

RCI-BR.008.0128.001

Norwegian Waffles

Adapted from a Scandinavian Cooking recipe by Beatrice Ojakangas. Note: the waffles are traditionally served cold with fruit and whipped cream. Serves 4 to 6. Makes 8 waffles or 40 heart-shaped waffles.

RCI-BR.001.0172.001

No Sin-namon Buns

.

RCI-BR.003.0289.001

Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf

Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0290.001

Nthochi Bread

Banana bread

RCI-SN.002.0222.001

Num Ta Leng Sap

Num Ta Leng Sap from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0118.001

Nuoc Cham

Nuoc Cham is the name of the Spicy Fish Sauce. This sauce can be served with soups.

RCI-SC.006.0021.001

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

A dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls, like the Soft Rolls with Crab

RCI-VG.001.0417.001

Nut and Banana Salad

Salad with nuts and bananas.

RCI-BR.005.0440.001

Nut Cookies I

Nut Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0173.001

Nut Kolacky

Nut Kolacky from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0443.001

Nut Macaroons

Nut Macaroons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0291.001

Nutmeg Strawberry Muffins

Nutmeg Strawberry Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0193.001

Nutty Blueberry Cobbler

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6-8

RCI-BR.005.0448.001

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

Oatmeal Banana Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0294.001

Oatmeal-Banana Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

RCI-BR.001.0175.001

Oatmeal Cherry Braid

Oatmeal Cherry Braid from the Recidemia collection