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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.001.0539.001

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing

Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0101.001

Sloppy Joes III

Sloppy Joes III from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0271.001

Smoked Sausage and Ham Jambalaya

Recipe by: PrinceofNessus Uploaded by Drimble Wedge Oklahoma is a state that finds itself at a culinary crossroads.

RCI-SC.003.0177.001

Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-BR.007.0115.001

Smørdejgssnitter

Butter rolls Makes 18 rolls Butter Rolls - Smørdejgssnitter

RCI-BR.003.0371.001

Snappy Ginger Muffins

=Snappy Ginger Muffins=

RCI-BR.005.0566.001

Snowballs for July

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 72 Serv

RCI-ND.005.0142.001

Soba Noodles

Soba Noodles This is my aunt's recipe. It makes a ton! Good for potlucks.

RCI-BR.005.0567.001

Soft almond cookies

Soft almond cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0568.001

Soft Jumbles

Soft Jumbles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0569.001

Soft molasses cookies

Soft molasses cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0570.001

Soft Molasses Cookies

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.005.0079.001

Soji

Soji from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0602.001

Somlah Machoo Soup

Serving Size: 4

RCI-SP.005.0235.001

Sopa de Amendoim

Peanut Soup from Curaçao, or a Caribbean chicken and peanut soup

RCI-VG.004.1258.001

Sopión

Sopión from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0273.001

Soufflet Fritters

Soufflet Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0178.001

Souper Tomato Dressing

Soup, Tomato, Canned, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 32

RCI-RC.005.0080.001

Soupy Oatmeal

excellent for the winter months

RCI-ND.007.0058.001

Sour Cherry Dumplings

Sour Cherry Dumplings from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0548.001

Sour Cream Cole Slaw

Sour Cream Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.001.0059.001

Sour Cream Dessert Omelet

Serves 5

RCI-BR.005.0573.001

Sour Cream Drop Cookies

Sour Cream Drop Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0289.001

Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes about 1¼

RCI-BR.008.0192.001

Sour Cream Waffles

.

RCI-BR.001.0243.001

Sourdough Beer Bread

Not a dense bread. It's a rustic looking loaf that ought to be just the thing with stews or hearty soups. With only 2 cups of flour, this makes a small (14 oz) loaf with a crunchy crust and a light interior.

RCI-VG.004.1268.001

Sousboontjies

Sweet and sour beans in sauce. Modern South African “sousboontjies” are made from a speckled bean known as a sugar beans (lima beans).

RCI-DS.001.0501.001

Southern Banana Pudding

Purchased from the Miller Estate in Wills Point, Texas in 1992. Dated 1908.

RCI-VG.001.0549.001

Southern Cole Slaw

This can be made in a food processor or with a shredder. Best made in food processor.

RCI-BR.003.0376.002

Southern Cornbread

- This is a hearty, unsweetened variety of cornbread, which is widely served in the Southeastern United States. It is easy to make--and is usually served as the bread portion of lunch or dinner (supper).

RCI-SP.003.0633.001

Southwestern Chili

Southwestern Chili from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1279.001

SouthWestern-Style Black Bean Salad

Serves: 6 servings Calories: 303 calories Prep Time: 20 mintues Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

RCI-RC.005.0081.001

Soy Snickerdoodles

Soy Snickerdoodles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0480.001

Space Cake

Cake

RCI-BR.004.0482.001

Spanish Cake

A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.

RCI-DS.001.0502.001

Spanish Cream

A silky, cool old-fashioned dessert, prep time includes chilling.

RCI-BR.006.0310.001

Spanish Cream Pie

An old fashioned diner type pie. Lower fat due to no egg yolks, but still so delicious!

RCI-SC.003.0180.001

Spanish Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.006.0121.001

Spanish Rice and Ham

Spanish Rice and Ham from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.004.0277.001

Spanish Rice II

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

RCI-BR.004.0483.001

Spanish Walnut Cake

This is a simply delectable cake with a fine crumb and a rich, spicy flavor. The addition of walnuts make this cake a little more toothy and wholesome.

RCI-BV.004.0156.001

Sparkling Strawberry Ice

Sparkling Strawberry Ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0181.001

Special Garlic Dressing

Special garlic Dressing from the Smoke House Restaurant From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: my old recipes

RCI-DS.003.0292.001

Special K Bars I

Contributed by Paula in California at Catsrecipes Y-Grou

RCI-BR.004.0484.001

Special Layered Cake with Cacao

In Romanian: Tort special cu cacao

RCI-BR.005.0579.001

Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti

Purchased from the O'Reilly Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988. Marked as Bessie’s favorite biscotti “sells well at bake sales”. Notation indicates this came from a 1960’s Ladies Home Journal. Exact date unknown.

RCI-BR.001.0248.001

Spehovka

Bacon bread

RCI-BR.001.0249.001

Spelt Bread

Bread Recipes

RCI-BR.004.0485.001

Spelt Yellow Cake

A recipe for a spelt cake; an ancient-wheat alternative to yellow cake.

RCI-BR.004.0487.001

SPICE CAKE

SPICE CAKE