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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.005.0581.001

Spice cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0582.001

Spice Cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0583.001

Spice Cookies I

Spice Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0213.001

Spiced Mango Pickle

Spiced Mango Pickle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0154.001

Spiced Pecans

I always triple the recipe, because this doesn't make enough. Cook Time: 30 min.

RCI-DS.004.0248.001

Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Spiced Raspberry Rhubarb Cobbler from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0249.001

Spiced Rhubarb Bake

Spiced Rhubarb Bake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.005.0152.001

Spicy, Anise-y Red-cooked Beef over Noodles

4 – 6 servings

RCI-RC.004.0278.001

Spicy Avocado-Shrimp Fried Rice

Spicy Avocado-Shrimp Fried Rice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0247.001

Spicy Beef Salad

A classic Thai dish. My idea of a perfect Thai meal: Chicken Satay, Pad Thai, Spicy Beef Salad and Thai Iced Tea. Prep time does not include 1 hour of chilling time for dressing. Nothing really substitutes for lemongrass.

RCI-SP.003.0641.001

Spicy Beef Stew

Vietnamese spicy beef stew is a meat recipe.

RCI-BR.003.0382.001

Spicy Carrot Bread

Spicy Carrot Bread

RCI-SC.007.0294.001

Spicy Chilli

Traditional Malay Condiments that goes well with almost anything especially deep fried item

RCI-SC.007.0295.001

Spicy Chocolate Sauce

Spicy Chocolate Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0155.001

Spicy Curried Nuts

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Southern L

RCI-BR.005.0586.001

Spicy Drops

Spicy Drops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1309.001

Spicy Fried Tofu with Basil

.

RCI-SP.003.0645.001

Spicy Indian Soup

Spicy Indian Soup

RCI-MT.004.0763.001

Spicy Korean Chicken

300px| Spicy Korean Chicken Preparation: 35 minutes. This recipe is for 4 servings.

RCI-VG.005.0215.001

Spicy Korean Kimchi

300px| Spicy Korean Kimchi Serve this as a side dish-a garnish that will enhance the flavor of your meal. Preparation: 72 hours and 20 minutes. This recipe is for 2 pints.

RCI-VG.004.1311.001

Spicy Moong Dal Waffles

Spicy Moong Dal Waffles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.002.0279.001

Spicy Pork with Peanuts

Submitted by TheLizard

RCI-BR.003.0384.001

Spicy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

RCI-SF.002.0285.001

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail with Tomato and Cilantro from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0587.001

Spicy Star Cookies

Spicy Star Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0567.001

Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing

Spinach Salad with Warm Beet Dressing from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4

RCI-BR.004.0489.001

Sponge Cake

This is the traditional cake of Israel-and it is exceedingly popular. It has no Hebrew name but is called by the European designation, tort. This cake appears in many shades and shapes and is covered in a variety of ways.

RCI-BR.004.0490.001

Sponge Cake with Olive Oil

Makes 8 to 10 servings. At Jordan, slices of this light, golden sponge cake are accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served with a glass of late harvest dessert wine or port.

RCI-BR.004.0491.001

Spring Cupcakes

Makes: 16 cupcakes

RCI-DS.004.0250.001

Spring Rhubarb Fool with Pistachios

Spring Rhubarb Fool with Pistachios from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0504.001

Spring Tonic Strawberry Rhubarb Mold

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.005.0589.001

Sprits

Sprits is one of those typically Dutch cookies that usually get served with a cup of coffee.

RCI-BR.005.0590.001

Spritskransar

Served at christmas time. This recipe has been handed down through my family and is made every Christmas. I can remember my Grandmother making these when I was a boy, as I waited for the beaters and so did my cat sebastian.

RCI-BR.005.0591.001

Spritzbaaken Cookies

Spritzbaaken Cookies

RCI-SP.002.0209.001

Squash Bisque

Squash Bisque from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0251.001

Squash Rolls

Squash Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1326.001

Squash Soufflé

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-SF.005.0063.001

Squid and Mango Salad

Squid and Mango Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0252.001

Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion

Sri Lanka Bistake Beef Steak Saute with Onion from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0299.001

Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney

Sri Lanka Sweet Mango Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0252.001

Standard Fat-free Bread

Makes a 1½ lb loaf

RCI-BR.006.0315.001

Standard Pie Crust with Margarine

Makes 1 double crust or 2 single crusts, or 12 tart shells.

RCI-BR.003.0385.001

Star of the East Fruit Bread

Star of the East Fruit Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0506.001

Stars and Stripes Rice Pudding

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0507.001

Stars and Stripe Torte

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0768.001

Steak and Ale Hawaiian Chicken

Cover the floor with newspaper to catch the family drool when they smell this on the grill!

RCI-ND.001.0117.001

Steak Pizzaiola with Salad, Bread and Pasta

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings o

RCI-DS.001.0508.001

Steam Custard with Milk

Steam Custard with Milk from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1339.001

Steamed Carrots with Apricots

Steamed Carrots with Apricots from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.007.0060.001

Steamed Pork Dumplings I

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