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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-DS.001.0052.001

Banana-Coconut Pudding

Banana-Coconut Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0054.001

Banana Cream Pudding

Banana Cream Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0055.001

Banana Crème

Banana Crème from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0021.001

Banana Creme Pie

Banana Creme Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0046.001

Banana Crunch Muffins I

Banana Crunch Muffins I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0047.001

Banana Date Loaf

Banana Date Loaf from the Recidemia collection

Banana Fritters
RCI-SN.002.0028.001

Banana Fritters

300px| Banana Fritters

RCI-BR.004.0036.001

Banana-Fudge Ripple Cake

Yield: 16 servings

RCI-BR.003.0048.001

Banana Loaf

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 1 loaf

RCI-BR.003.0050.001

Banana Muffins

These are quick, easy, and comparatively healthy (the bananas add moisture and sweetness, meaning you can get away with less butter and sugar than normal). They also taste bloody fantastic.

RCI-BR.008.0012.001

Banana-nana Pancakes

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

RCI-BR.003.0051.001

Banana Nut Bread

This quickly made bread is high on the list of nourishing foods.

RCI-BR.003.0052.001

Banana Nut Bread I

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0053.001

Banana Nut Loaf

Banana Nut Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0013.001

Banana Nutmeg Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Cuisine Vegetarian Cuisine

RCI-BR.008.0016.001

Banana Pancakes II

Makes 12 (4-inch) pancakes

RCI-BR.004.0037.001

Banana Passover Cake

Banana Passover Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0038.001

Banana Passover Sponge Cake

Banana Passover Sponge Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0045.001

Banana Peanut Butter Cookies

Banana Peanut Butter Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0039.001

Banana Peanut Cake

banana Peanut CAKE

RCI-BR.004.0041.001

Banana Pudding Cake I

Banana Pudding Cake I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0058.001

Banana Rice Custard

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0059.001

Banana Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.003.0058.001

Banana Scones

Great for breakfast!

RCI-DS.004.0024.001

Banana's Foster

Bananas Foster is a famous dessert from New Orleans, this is an amazing treat.

RCI-BR.004.0042.001

Banana Shwe Gye Cake

Banana Shwe Gye Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0026.001

Bananas in a Rich Coconut Sauce

Bananas in a Rich coconut Sauce is a dessert that can be served with ice cream.

RCI-DS.004.0027.001

Bananas Mango in Coconut Milk

Bananas Mango in Coconut Milk from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0059.001

Banana-Strawberry Muffins

Stir up The Berry Best Batch of banana Muffins You've Ever Made!

RCI-BR.002.0010.001

Bangladeshi Naan

Bangladeshi Naan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0013.001

Banh Phu The

Banh Phu The Banh Phu The is a Vietnamese Hue dessert. It is also popular in Bhutan.

RCI-BR.004.0044.001

Barbados Chocolate Rum Cake

Barbados Chocolate Rum Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0013.001

Barbara's Cracker Crackle

Barbara's Cracker Crackle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0059.001

Barbecued Chicken with Sweet Vinegar Sauce

This is the first Thai-style dish I ever attempted to make, after I 'discovered' how delicious Thai food is. This recipe is easy enough (for the beginner that I was 10 years ago) and the ingredients not too difficult to find.

RCI-SF.001.0035.001

Barbecued Fish Margarita

Barbecued Fish Margarita from the Recidemia collection

Barbecued Spare Ribs
RCI-MT.002.0029.001

Barbecued Spare Ribs

are a classic American barbecue meal, made from pork. This version is cooked in the oven, not on a barbecue, and uses a barbecue sauce with a distinct Asian flavor, featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic.

RCI-MT.001.0017.001

Bar-B-Que Marinade

Bar-B-Que Marinade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0045.001

Basboosa III

Semolina cakes

RCI-SC.003.0019.001

Basic Buttermilk Salad Dressing

Basic Buttermilk Salad Dressing from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0048.001

Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies

Basic Chocolate Christmas Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0029.001

Basic Cobbler

United States

RCI-BR.005.0049.001

Basic Cookies

Basic Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0050.001

Basic Cookies I

Basic Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0062.001

Basic Cornbread

Preheat oven to 400 °F Grease an 9x9" baking pan.

RCI-SC.003.0020.001

Basic French Dressing

Served at Scandia Restaurant From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Makes 1¾ cups.

RCI-DS.002.0017.001

Basic Indian Vanilla Ice Cream

Contributed by Delma at World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0046.001

Basic Passover Nut Torte

Basic Passover Nut Torte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0065.002

Basic Scones

Basic Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0048.001

Basic Sponge Cake II

Basic Sponge Cake II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0015.001

Bastilla

Bastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish and is usually served as an appetizer. The exotic taste makes this a favorite!