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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.004.1157.001

Russian Borscht

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0568.001

Russian Cabbage Soup

Russian Cabbage Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0493.001

Russian Cole Slaw

Russian Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0041.001

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly

Russian-style Red Currant Jelly from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.004.0012.001

Rye Bread Kvass

Rye Bread Kvass from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0360.001

Rye Gems

Rye Gems from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1160.001

Saak-er Ghanto

Saak-er Ghanto from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0543.001

Sachertorte Squares

Sachertorte Squares from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.002.0040.001

Safe and No Weep Meringue

This meringue recipe is by Nick Malgieri. It is light and fluffy, and serves many purposes. Add butter and it can be used as a cake frosting or filling. For a no-weep meringue topping for a pie, just omit butter.

RCI-SW.003.0065.001

Saffron Sweet Rice

Saffron Sweet Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0484.001

Sago Steamed in Banana Leaves

A yummy dessert to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

RCI-BR.004.0464.001

Saint Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Celebrate the luck o' the Irish by serving these festive cupcakes for dessert. Kids and leprechauns alike will love the color and the loads of chocolate chips inside! Be sure to have adult help with the baking.

RCI-DS.001.0486.001

Sako

A traditional caramelized tapioca sweet

RCI-VG.004.1169.001

Sakura Mochi

Traditional Japanese Girl's Day treat (March 3rd) From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-VG.001.0500.001

Salade de Cocombres et de Courgettes

Cucumber-zucchini salad

RCI-DS.004.0242.001

Salady Voankazo

Fruit Compote with Lichee Nuts

RCI-VG.001.0514.001

Salata Khiyar

Egyptian sliced cucumber salad Contributed by World Recipes Y-GroupThis Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-BR.004.0465.001

Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake

Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0259.001

Sally's Ladies Casserole (Though the men like it, too!)

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: My old rec

RCI-SP.005.0208.001

Salor Kor-Ko Sap

Khmer Vegetarian Stew. Savory eggplant, bitter melon, pumpkin and spinach with Khmer favorite spices is very tasty.

RCI-SP.005.0209.001

Salor Machu Kreoung

Yield: 4 servings

RCI-SC.005.0144.001

Salsa Cerveza with Tortilla Chips

Makes about 2½ cups

RCI-MT.004.0709.001

Salsa Chicken

This is a no-brainier chicken recipe that you seriously can not screw up. And it's great because you will actually use your leftovers instead of having them slowly rot in your refrigerator, only to find them six months later.

RCI-SN.001.0335.001

Salsa Dip

Salsa Dip from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0054.001

Saltanosiai

Cold Noses

RCI-ND.005.0132.001

Salted mustard greens and shredded meat noodle soup

(雪菜肉絲麵) is a Chinese dish composed of salted mustard greens (雪裡紅), shredded pork (肉絲), soup stock, and noodles. Many Chinese restaurants in the US serve this dish.

RCI-SP.006.0055.001

Saltibarsciai I

Cold beet soup

RCI-BR.005.0544.001

Saltine Cookies

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SF.002.0223.001

Salvador Shrimp in Fruit Sauce

Salvador Shrimp in Fruit Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0261.001

Sambousik Lahme

Meat pastries

RCI-BR.004.0466.001

Sand Torte

" It has a lovely flavor and tastes great if served with a fruit sauce, such as strawberry.

RCI-SP.004.0271.001

Sanfaina de Conejo

Catalan rabbit dish

RCI-BR.006.0298.001

Saskatoon Pie

This fine recipe will last forever, i got to taste this and it was delicious ! Requires only basic cooking skills !

RCI-SC.002.0041.001

Sauce Mayonnaise

Sauce Mayonnaise from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0171.001

Sauce til Kålsalat

Danish dressing for coleslaw Danish Dressing for Coleslaw - Sauce til Kålsalat

RCI-VG.005.0190.001

Sauerkraut and Pork

Sauerkraut and Pork from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0193.001

Sauerkraut Candy

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1928. This one sounds really strange to me, but my mother tells me she had it many times as a child and it is fabulous. Let me know if you try it and what you think.

RCI-BR.006.0299.001

Sauk-Prairie Eagle Inn Easy Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 7 to 8 s

RCI-MT.002.0250.001

Sausage and Mashers

Sausage and Mashers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0093.001

Sausage and Pepper Heroes

.

RCI-VG.004.1183.001

Sausage Hotpot

This recipe is for two hungry persons. 400 calories per serving (informed estimate) This is a slightly more developed version of a Sausage Hotpot recipe which was improvised in an effort to use up various items in my refrigerator and larder.

RCI-VG.004.1192.001

Sautéed Steamed Broccoli

Contributed by Delma Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves:4

RCI-VG.004.1195.001

Savory Lemon Vegetables

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0546.001

Savta's Passover Brownies

Savta's Passover Brownies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1201.001

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0233.001

Scalloped Tomatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6 * Source:

RCI-BR.004.0470.001

Schaum Torte

Sea foam cake. A very light, flourless cake.

RCI-DS.001.0490.001

Schwe Yin Aye

Shwe Yin Aye (coconut cream Sherbet) is an easy to prepare dessert, which can also be served as a snack.

RCI-BR.005.0547.001

Scotch Wafers

These are well adapted for children's luncheons, and are much enjoyed by the convalescent, taken with a glass of milk.

RCI-BR.005.0548.001

Scottish Fancies

Scottish Fancies from the Recidemia collection