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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)

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Baesook

Cooked Asian pears with peppercorns Baesook

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Bahama Bread

Bahama Bread from the Recidemia collection

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Bahamian Coconut Candy

This is a coconut candy. Maanasa Rocks!!!! Everyone knows that too. 0)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Bahamian Guava Duff

I had this dish one time on a business trip to the Bahamas... Unbelievably good!

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Bai Guo Yu Ni

Mashed taro with ginkgo

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Bajan Sweet Bread

Bajan Sweet Bread from the Recidemia collection

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Bajan Sweet Bread I

Bajan Sweet Bread I from the Recidemia collection

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Bake Batter Bread

Here's an easy bread to make, especially for novice bakers. No kneading is involved for this homey bread slightly coarse textured yeast bread.

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Baked Alaska

This delicious piece of dessert, Canadian of course, is worth your time and effort.

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Baked Cheesecake

Baked Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0043.001

Baked Chicken and Rhubarb

Yields 4 to 6 servings.

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Baked Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce

Baked Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Corn

(tyler, Texas) (purchased in 1992, Date on Card Says 1911)

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Baked Creme Caramel

Baked Creme Caramel from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Doughnuts II

Baked Doughnuts II from the Recidemia collection

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Baked French Toast

Baked French Toast from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Hush Puppies

Corn Squares Fortified Ready to Eat Cereal by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 30 minutes total Serves: 12

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Baked Kidney Beans

From my Aunt Barb’s collection. Date and source unknown. I don’t like kidney beans, but my family does, so this is a regular. They love it.

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Baked Mango Custard

Baked Mango Custard from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Manju

Baked Manju

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Baked Native American Pudding

Baked Native American Pudding

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Baked Nuts

Nuts

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Baked Onion Rings

Corn Flakes: Fortified Ready to Eat Cereal by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource Serves: 4

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Baked Papaya

Baked Papaya from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Peaches

Serve with pork chops or roast, even barbecued ribs

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Baked Pumpkin Custard

Baked Pumpkin Custard from the Recidemia collection

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Baked Rice Custard

Serves 4-6.

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Baked Rice Custard with Peach Topping

Makes 6 servings.

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Baking Powder and Potato Bread

6 servings Baking Powder and Potato Bread

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Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh from the Recidemia collection

Baklava
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Baklava

Desserts

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Baklava With Pistachio Nuts

Cuisine of Turkey

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Baklawa

The universal Middle-Eastern dessert right|Coming Soon!

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Bali Yummy

Avocado and chocolate? The combination sounds surprising but tastes great! This dessert recipe was developed by Kirsti Soukka who wanted to recreate a dessert she enjoyed on her holiday in Bali.

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Baltimore Eggnog

From Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Serves: 1 (measurements in parentheses will make about 30 servings)

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Banana Almond Torte

Banana Almond Torte from the Recidemia collection

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Banana Banana Pudding

.

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Banana Bread by calandryll

[GBS Foods article] Well once again I'm back to make some delicious food. Luckily this attempt came out better than my other attempt. It looks delicious and from the small amount I tasted of it, it tasted great.

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Banana Bread I

Banana Bread I from the Recidemia collection

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Banana bread II

An alternative version of this recipe can be found here.

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Banana Bread II

An alternative version of this recipe can be found here.

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Banana Bread III

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Cooking Author: Editors of Favorite Recipes Press Contributed by Susan Godfrey alexanderjamesmom@gmail.com at Catsrecipes Y-Group

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Banana Bread IV

Recipe By: Public domain recipes converted from meal Master format Yields: 10 servings

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Banana Bread V

Banana Bread V from the Recidemia collection

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Banana Bread VI

Banana Bread VI from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0043.001

Banana Bread VII

The spices and lime peel and juice are common ingredients in Guatemalan dessert breads.

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Banana Cake

Banana cake is a light dessert.

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Banana Cake Papuan-style

Banana Cake Papuan-style from the Recidemia collection

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Banana Chips

Bananas can be cooked and served in many ways. Tagum City of Davao introduced bananas turned into chips. Called banana chips, this delicacy is made from Philippine banana of the Saba and Cardava variety.

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Banana Chocolate Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding is a British Dessert. This version has banana and chocolate.