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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-PF.005.0008.001

Red Cinnamon Crab Apples

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-ND.005.0124.001

Red-cooked Beef with Noodles

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-DS.003.0266.001

Red Cross Fudge

Delicious easy fudge that works every time. Never crystallizes. View in original format.

RCI-SP.005.0198.001

Red Curry Chicken

Red Curry Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.003.0119.001

Red Pepper and Zucchini Quiche

.

RCI-MT.002.0232.001

Red Pork With Chestnuts

Red Pork With Chestnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0460.001

Red Raspberry Mousse

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Manes Estate in Venus, Texas in 1981.

RCI-BR.004.0441.001

Reduced-fat Carrot Cake

Makes 1 cake and 1 cup of frosting (16 servings)

RCI-BR.004.0442.001

Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0461.001

Red, White and Blue Dessert

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.001.0219.001

Refrigerator Bread Dough

Purchased from the Woods Estate in Canton, Texas in 1988. Dated 1944.

RCI-BR.005.0525.001

Remarkable Rhubarb Bites

Remarkable Rhubarb Bites from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0526.001

Rhubarb Bars

Rhubarb Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0230.001

Rhubarb Bread Crisp

Rhubarb Bread Crisp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0446.002

Rhubarb Cake

. Rhubarb may be an intimidatingly tart vegetable eaten on its own, but when its sharp flavor is tempered with the addition of butter and sugar, it makes excellent desserts such as the cake recipe below.

RCI-BR.004.0447.001

Rhubarb Cake I

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.004.0233.001

Rhubarb Compote

This is used in a crumble in the UK, but the Dutch eat it hot as a vegetable with potatoes and meat.

RCI-BR.005.0528.001

Rhubarb Crumb Bars

Rhubarb Crumb Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0529.001

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Rhubarb Custard Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0289.001

Rhubarb Dessert

Rhubarb Dessert from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0448.001

Rhubarb Dump Cake

Rhubarb Dump Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0063.001

Rhubarb Juice

Rhubarb Juice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0064.001

Rhubarb Nectar

Makes about 1 Litre

RCI-BR.003.0351.001

Rhubarb Nut Bread

Rhubarb Nut Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0462.001

Rhubarb Pudding

American cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Bread

RCI-BV.006.0019.001

Rhubarb Punch

Rhubarb Punch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0352.001

Rhubarb Royale

Throw what you know about rhubarb out the window. This recipe is sweet to the palate, using sugar and strawberry Jell-O to offset the acidity of the rhubarb. A splendid streusel topping and a buttery pastry crust round out this dessert.

RCI-BV.006.0020.001

Rhubarb Slush

Makes about one 5 quart ice cream pail.

RCI-DS.002.0155.001

Rhubarb Sorbet

Makes 8 servings (125 ml each).

RCI-BR.006.0291.001

Rhubarb Strawberry Pie

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0449.001

Rhubarb Torte

Rhubarb Torte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0230.001

Rice and Bacon Salad

Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.008.0177.001

Rice and Blueberry Pancakes with Ginger Syrup

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0463.001

Rice and Cherries in the Snow

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.001.0464.001

Rice and Cherries Jubilee

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.003.0267.001

Rice and Coconut Snowballs

Makes 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0235.001

Rice and Mango Salad

Rice and Mango Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0179.001

Rice Bran Buttermilk Pancakes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the McGowan Estate in Sherman, Texas in 1991.

RCI-BR.003.0353.001

RICE BREAD

RICE BREAD from the Recidemia collection

Rice Bubble cake
RCI-DS.003.0268.001

Rice Bubble cake

The finished product is a quick and easy to make. Made with crisped rice cereal, the only other ingredients are butter, sugar and honey.

RCI-BR.008.0181.001

Rice Buttermilk Waffles

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.008.0182.001

Rice Cakes

Rice Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0465.001

Rice Cloud with Bittersweet Chocolate Sundae

Rice Cloud with Bittersweet Chocolate Sundae from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0156.001

Rice Cream with Mandarin Oranges

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0466.001

Rice Crème Brûlée

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0467.001

Rice Crème Brûlée I

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.008.0183.001

Rice Crêpes

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0468.001

Rice Custard with Strawberry Topping

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.001.0469.001

Rice Dessert Fabuleux

Makes 12 servings

RCI-BR.008.0184.001

Rice Dollar Pancakes

Makes 8 servings