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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-MT.002.0281.001

Steamed Pork With Mustard Greens

(梅菜扣肉, pinyin: Méicàikòuròu) or is a Chinese dish from the Hakka people. It is very popular and tasty but contains a lot of saturated fat.

RCI-VG.004.1340.001

Steamed Rice Cake with Mung Beans

Steamed Rice Cake with Mung Beans

RCI-SF.001.0346.001

Steamed Sea Bass Fillet with Ginger, Garlic and Sesame-Soy Sauce

My family loves fish, and every year there seems to be a particular and way of preparing it that emerges as our favorite of the year.

RCI-SF.001.0348.001

Steiktar Heilagfiski

Baked halibut Steiktar Heilagfiski

RCI-DS.004.0259.001

Stewed Dry Figs

Stewed Dry Figs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0260.001

Stewed dry figs dessert

() is an Albanian pudding.

RCI-VG.004.1345.001

Stewed Pumpkin

Stewed Pumpkin from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1346.001

Stewed Tomatoes

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

RCI-DS.003.0294.001

St. George Card Party Fantasy Fudge

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.004.0288.001

Sticky Rice and Mango

Makes about 6 servings.

RCI-RC.005.0082.001

Sticky Rice and Mangotyle Banana

Sticky Rice and Mangotyle Banana from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.005.0084.001

Sticky Rice with Mango

This recipe can be done in minutes.

RCI-VG.004.1353.001

Stir-fried Pork and Vegetables

Pork Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-DS.004.0262.001

St. James Strawberries in Wine

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes four 1 cup s

RCI-BR.001.0254.001

St. Lucia Buns

Swedish saffron buns named for Saint Lucia of Syracuse (283–304), whose name day, December 13, was once considered the longest night of the year.

RCI-DS.004.0266.001

Strawberries with Black Pepper

.

RCI-BR.008.0196.001

Strawberries with Cream

Strawberries with Cream

RCI-DS.004.0267.001

Strawberry Alaska No-Bake

Yield: 8 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0512.001

Strawberry Almond Parfait

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.002.0169.001

Strawberry and Rhubarb Sorbet with Mint

Strawberry and Rhubarb Sorbet with Mint from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0513.001

Strawberry and Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-DS.004.0270.001

Strawberry Angel Shortcake

.

RCI-BR.006.0320.001

Strawberry Banana Cream Pie

Yield: 6-8 servings.

RCI-BR.003.0390.001

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread

Strawberry Banana-Nut Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0515.001

Strawberry Bavarian Cream

Strawberry Bavarian Cream from Dainty Desserts for Dainty People by Knox Gelatine—original source of recipe, out of copyright

RCI-DS.001.0516.001

Strawberry Bavarian Creme Elegante

Fresh ruby red strawberries give your taste buds a treat. The juice is sweet and tantalizing. Even the aroma of fresh berries excites the palate and prepares the way for a great adventure in eating.

RCI-DS.001.0517.001

Strawberry Bavarian Rice Mold

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-BV.006.0025.001

Strawberry Beaujolais

Serving Suggestions: Spoon over: ice cream; pound or angel food cake; pancakes, waffles or French toast; fresh melon wedges; roast duck, chicken, goose or game hens.

RCI-DS.002.0170.001

Strawberry Bombe Chantilly

Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

RCI-BR.003.0391.001

Strawberry Bread

Strawberry Bread This recipe was given to me by my mother, and makes 2 large loaves, or 4 to 6 smaller loaves, depending upon the size of the pans.

RCI-BR.001.0255.001

Strawberry Bread I

This bread has such nice texture. The fruit flavor is very mild. I got the recipe from another group and it was posted by John Ross. I used the dough cycle and then baked this bread in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

RCI-BR.004.0495.001

Strawberry Cake Roll

STRAWBERRY CAKE ROLL

RCI-DS.001.0519.001

Strawberry Cheesecake I

Strawberry Cheesecake I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0498.001

Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Makes 12 servings

RCI-DS.001.0520.001

Strawberry-Coconut Cream

.

RCI-BR.004.0499.001

Strawberry Coffee Cake

This one is simple and delicious. Serve it warm.

RCI-BR.006.0322.001

Strawberry Cookie Pie

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.003.0392.001

Strawberry Cornmeal Muffin Cakes

Strawberry Cornmeal Muffin Cakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0324.001

Strawberry Crown Tart

Strawberry Crown Tart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0061.001

Strawberry dumplings

Austrian Cuisine ()

RCI-BR.008.0198.001

Strawberry Dutch Baby Pancakes

Strawberry Dutch Baby Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0325.001

Strawberry Easter Pie

Contributed by the LR at World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.006.0326.001

Strawberry Glace Pie

Strawberry Glace Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.003.0084.001

Strawberry Iced Tea Fizz

.

RCI-BV.009.0073.001

Strawberry Jelly Slush

Strawberry Jelly Slush from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0594.001

Strawberry Kolache Cookies

These cookies are absolutely beautiful. You can actually use whatever kind of preserves you wish, but make sure that they are PRESERVES :-) You will love the look of these beautiful cookies! Prep time doesnt include chill time.

RCI-BR.006.0327.001

Strawberry Lemondrift Pie

Strawberry Lemondrift Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0151.001

Strawberry Licuado

.

RCI-DS.004.0273.001

Strawberry Mango Cobbler

.

RCI-DS.001.0523.001

Strawberry Mousse

Strawberry mousse with fresh fruits. A pretty pink color. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 12 servings.