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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-VG.001.0430.001

Oriental Cabbage Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6-8.

RCI-VG.001.0431.001

ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRUNCHY NOODLES

ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD WITH CRUNCHY NOODLES from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0224.001

Oriental Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.001.0184.001

Oriental Stir-fried Beef

Oriental Stir-fried Beef from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0390.001

Othello Layered Cake

In Romanian: Tort Othello

RCI-BR.006.0234.001

Ottumwa Rhubarb Pudding Pie

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.003.0151.001

Outrageous Caesar Salad Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-PF.006.0004.001

OVEN DRIED MANGOS

.

RCI-BR.008.0142.001

Oven Pancakes

Oven Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0143.001

Oven pancakes (vegan)

Oven pancakes (vegan) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0390.001

Ovos Moles de Papaia

Papaya and egg yolk pudding. This recipe originated in Mozambique, South Africa and serves four (4). Eggs are used sparingly in many parts of Africa. In fact in some parts, there are still taboos associated with eggs.

RCI-RC.004.0207.001

Oyakodon by GodsMullet

by GodsMullet, submitted by Ishamael

RCI-VG.001.0435.001

Oyi Namul Cucumber Salad

Korean cucumber salad. Serves six people.

Paczki
RCI-BR.001.0185.002

Paczki

Paczki (Polish Donuts)

RCI-ND.006.0058.001

Pad Thai Sauce

Pad Thai sauce is commonly used in a Thai dish that shares the same name. This is a simplified version that is versatile enough to use in many other dishes.

RCI-BR.008.0145.001

Pajeon (pan-fried green onion and seafood)

Pajeon (pan-fried green onion and seafood) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0235.001

Paklava II

Paklava II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0197.001

Pakon Char Poat Koun

Stir-fry Shrimp with shiitake mushroom and baby corn is delicious. It is one of the recipes that my family cooks on special occasions.

RCI-BR.008.0146.001

Palacsinta I

Hungarian pancakes

RCI-SP.005.0182.001

Palak Panir

Spinach with fresh cheese. Women in India make their own fresh cheese. Paneer is now more widely available or you can substitute Ricotta.

RCI-SN.003.0184.001

Palta Rellenos

Palta Rellenos from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0392.001

Panamanian Mango Pudding

Panamanian Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection

Pancake
RCI-BR.008.0148.001

Pancake

Pancakes are a type of flatbread.

RCI-BR.008.0149.001

Pancake mix

This mix will save you from having to eat creosote-flavored instant pancakes for breakfast.

RCI-BR.008.0153.001

Pancakes (Vegan)

Pancakes (Vegan) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.002.0077.001

Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream

Pancetta Fusilli with Herb Shallot Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0306.001

Pan de Banano

Pan de Platano

RCI-BR.001.0187.001

Pan de Batata

Pan de Batata from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0307.001

Pan de Maiz

Pan de Maiz from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0308.001

Panderos

Panderos

RCI-DS.001.0394.001

Paneer-Corn liquid

A rather unusual combination of ingredients go to produce this rich Indian dessert that is served with puris on special occasions.

RCI-SP.005.0184.001

Paneer in Cashew Sauce

The literal translation of Shahi Paneer is ‘Royal Paneer’…very appropriate – A dish fit for a king. The richness of the sauce comes from the cashews. Serves 6.

RCI-SN.002.0232.001

Paneer Tikkis

Paneer Tikkis from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0188.001

Pani Popo

Pani Popo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0186.001

Pani Puri

Pani Puri from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0058.001

Panna

Panna from the Recidemia collection

Panna cotta
RCI-DS.001.0396.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-DS.001.0395.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-DS.001.0397.001

Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

Copyright 2007, Ina Garten, All Rights Reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Shore Thing From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-BR.004.0393.001

Papaw Upside-down Cake

Papaw Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0198.001

Papaya Balls

This recipe comes from a friend of mine from Trinidad. She serves these candies every Christmas.

RCI-VG.001.0440.001

Papaya Coleslaw

Papaya Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0142.001

Papaya-Mint Sorbet

Papaya-Mint Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0472.001

Papaya Oatmeal Squares

Papaya Oatmeal Squares from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0398.001

Papos de Anjo

right| Papos de Anjo

RCI-ND.001.0064.001

Pappardelle and Provençal Sauce

This is a simple pasta dinner that's easy to prepare and is loaded full of flavor. If you can't find pappardelle noodles in your grocery store, you can use any other type of ribbon pasta available.

RCI-BR.006.0236.001

Pareve Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

8 servings, may be frozen

RCI-DS.001.0402.001

Parisian Chocolate Mousse II

Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Linda Robinson—original source of recipe

Party Perfect Poached Pears
RCI-DS.004.0201.001

Party Perfect Poached Pears

A beautiful simple dessert absolutely perfect for a dinner party. Use that bottle of wine that's been collecting dust in the back of your cupboard (you know the one) - it will work great in this classic dish!

RCI-RC.003.0016.001

Party Sushi Rolls

Sushi, a representative food of japan, is a vinegared rice garnished with an assortment of fresh vegetables, fish and seasonings. You'll find many of the ingredients ... And the bamboo mat ... At an oriental food store.