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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.003.0363.001

Scottish Lemon Scones

These make a wonderful breakfast or brunch treat. They are also nice served with lemon curd.

RCI-BR.003.0364.001

Scottish Scones

Scottish Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0550.001

Scrumptious Cookie Crumble

A scrumptious cookie crumble unlike any you've ever tasted perfect for topping ice cream

RCI-DS.003.0279.001

Seafoam Divinity

Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro

RCI-SF.001.0326.001

Seared Mustard-coated Salmon

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.003.0366.001

Sebastian Ratti's Muffins

Sebastian Ratti's Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.003.0037.001

Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom

Selyodka pod Ukropnym Sousom from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0237.001

Semolina Flatbreads with Sesame, Caraway and Fennel Seeds

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RCI-BR.006.0303.001

Senator McConnell's Chocolate Nut Pie

Home Cookin' Kentucky Recipes by the Office of Senator Mitch McConnell, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About 45 minutes

RCI-BR.005.0552.001

Sesame Biscuits II

In Romanian: Pesmeti cu susan II

RCI-DS.004.0244.001

Seven Fruit Salad

Seven Fruit Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0271.001

Seven Minute Icing

Seven Minute Icing

RCI-ND.005.0138.001

Shaaria

Shaaria from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0223.001

Shahi Paneer

Ethnicity - Punjabi, North Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-BV.009.0066.001

Shakar Choor

(Syrup mixture for paklava)

RCI-BV.009.0067.001

SHAKAR Choor

(Syrup mixture for paklava)

RCI-VG.001.0529.001

Shalgam

Shalgam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.001.0028.001

Shallot-Lemon Confit

Confit, most commonly preserved goose or duck, can also be a condiment similar to a pickle, as it is here. Source: Jean-Georges Vongerichten in Four-Star Steak, Food & Wine, June, 2004.

RCI-ND.006.0067.001

Shanghai Pan-fried Noodles

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4 - 6

RCI-BR.005.0553.001

Sharon's Famous Passover Brownies

Sharon Winstein and her friend Louise Levitt created these flour-free brownies for their first Temple cooking class.

RCI-SF.001.0330.001

Sheat Fish with Tomatoes

In Romanian: Mincare de somn cu rosii

RCI-DS.001.0494.001

Sheer Korma

This special Muslim dish is traditionally served on Eid day (both Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha) to the household after they come back from Eid prayers.

Sheqerpare
RCI-BR.005.0554.001

Sheqerpare

Cookies in syrup

RCI-DS.002.0161.001

Sherry Nectarine Sorbet

Sherry Nectarine Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0531.001

Shigmchi namul (Spinach salad)

Shigmchi namul (Spinach salad)

RCI-SC.004.0038.001

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy

Shiitake Mushroom Gravy from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0101.001

Shirmal

also , is a traditional flatbread made by Muslims in Pakistan and in the Hyderabad region of India, probably from Persian influences.

Shortbread
RCI-BR.005.0555.001

Shortbread

Shortbread rounds before being baked is a type of cookie which is traditionally made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three parts plain white flour, although other ingredients like ground rice or cornstarch are sometimes added to alter the texture.

RCI-DS.001.0495.001

Shrikand

Shrikand

RCI-SF.003.0039.001

Shrimp and Tilapia Ceviche with Green and Red Peppers

* Source: Midwest Living * Prep: 1 hour | Chill: 5 hours * Makes 8 servings

RCI-SN.003.0233.001

Shrimp Nectarine Thai Salad

Here's a recipe I found in the paper - the salad looks very elegant, but can be put together in less than 20 minutes.

RCI-SN.002.0269.001

Shrimp Toast I

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

RCI-VG.005.0204.001

Shrimp Toast with Pickled Ginger

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SF.002.0267.001

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0056.001

Shu Mai

Shu Mai Japanese steamed wontons. While shu mai are in reality Chinese dim sum, they magically become japanese steamed wontons in this recipe.

RCI-DS.002.0162.001

Sicilian Baci Gelato

An easy and authentic chocolate and hazelnut gelato made with Nutella.

RCI-DS.001.0496.001

Sidreyat al Dajaj

It serves 4 – 6 persons.

RCI-DS.002.0163.001

Silky Mango Ice Cream

Silky Mango Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0497.001

Simple Crème Brûlée

This recipe cuts the preparation time in half. Heating the cream isn't required.

RCI-ND.001.0102.001

Simple Italian Sausage Spaghetti Dinner

American cuisine | Italian cuisine

RCI-DS.005.0042.001

Simple Mango Jam

Simple Mango Jam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0271.001

Simple Meat Loaf

Simple Meat Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0285.001

Simple Mochi

Simple Mochi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0473.001

Simple Rhubarb Cake

Yield: 12 – 16 servings.

RCI-BV.009.0069.001

Simpler Thai Iced Tea

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-DS.002.0164.001

Simply A-maize-ing Corn Ice Cream

This recipe yields about 5 quarts

RCI-BR.005.0560.001

Sim-Sim Cookies

These cookies are really good and very simple. They are good if you need something for a school project. They are very tasty and simple. Everyone loves them!! :) They are awesome. Just one bite, and boom, you'll be in love!!!!

RCI-SP.005.0232.001

Sindhi Curry

right|Sindhi Curry

RCI-SN.002.0271.001

Sirniki

are Russian curd fritters. Syrniki is a Russian dessert that is generally eaten after the main course at dinner, but sometimes at breakfast.

RCI-VG.004.1238.001

Si Roo Ddeok

Si roo ddeok