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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-SW.004.0045.001

Strawberry Nachos

Strawberry Nachos from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0175.001

Strawberry Panna Gelata

Makes about 1½ quarts

RCI-BR.006.0329.001

Strawberry Pie

250px Source my grandma. I found this recipe written neatly on one of her recipe cards. I suspect the recipe came from an old Betty Crocker cookbook but can not prove it.

RCI-DS.002.0176.001

Strawberry Pops

Strawberry Pops from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0296.001

Strawberry Puffs

.

RCI-DS.004.0277.001

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0076.001

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade

Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0178.001

Strawberry Rice Custard Freeze

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0526.001

Strawberry Rice Zabaglione

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.007.0120.001

Strawberry Rosettes

.

RCI-BV.006.0026.001

Strawberry Sangria Ice

.

RCI-DS.004.0278.001

Strawberry Sauce with Dumplings

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6-8

RCI-DS.002.0179.001

Strawberry Sherbet

Makes about 1 quart

RCI-BR.005.0597.001

Strawberry Shortbread Shortcake

.

RCI-BR.004.0504.001

Strawberry Shortcake Sabayon

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0505.001

Strawberry Shortcakes with mint and whipped cream

Strawberry Shortcakes with mint and whipped cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0506.001

Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce

.

RCI-DS.002.0181.001

Strawberry Sorbet

Strawberry Sorbet from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0064.001

Strawberry Sorbet Soup and Pound Cake Croutons

.

RCI-BR.003.0396.001

Strawberry Sour Cream Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.

RCI-DS.001.0528.001

Strawberry Sweetheart

Strawberry Sweetheart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0530.001

Strawberry-topped Rice Pudding

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0509.001

Strawberry Trifle Cake

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-BV.007.0159.001

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Duval Estate in Seven Points, Texas in 1999.

RCI-BR.003.0397.001

Streusel-topped Apricot Muffins

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hoffman Estate in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1992.

RCI-BR.003.0398.001

Streusel-topped Orange Muffins

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hoffman Estate in Grand Prairie, Texas in 1992.

RCI-BR.005.0598.001

Stroopwafels

A nice type of waffle, can be eaten at any point during the day as a snack.

RCI-VG.005.0225.001

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0065.001

Stuffed Eggs with Mustard

In Romanian: Oua umplute cu mustar

RCI-BV.008.0073.001

Sua Araisa

Rice soup

RCI-VG.004.1365.001

Succotash

- A recipe with a great name.

RCI-DS.001.0532.001

Sucre Sweet Boutique Bread Pudding

right|Sucre's Superb Bread Pudding Sucre's version stands head and shoulders above the rest because it's made from diced croissants and Danish pastries left over from the day before for a subtle interplay of textures and flavors that can differ with each bite.

RCI-SN.004.0157.001

Sugar and Spice Pecans

Sugar and Spice Pecans from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0533.001

Sugar-crusted Crème Brûlée Custard

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Servings: 6 * Serv

RCI-BR.005.0604.001

Sugar-free Oatmeal Cookies

Yield: 24

RCI-SN.004.0160.001

SUGAR PEANUTS

SUGAR PEANUTS from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0078.001

Sujunggwa

300px| Sujunggwa Persimmon punch. This is the one of most popular traditional Korean drinks. It is usually drunk in winter. As an added health benefit, this drink contains lots of vitamin C.

RCI-MT.001.0270.001

Sukiyaki I

Makes 6 servings.

Suman
RCI-RC.006.0128.001

Suman

Ibos (Visayan) or suman (Tagalog) is basically malagkit (sticky rice) wrapped in either banana leaves or coconut leaves.

RCI-SC.005.0170.001

Summer Fruit Sauce

Summer Fruit Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0065.001

Summer Fruit Soup

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at

RCI-BV.001.0192.001

Summer Fun Mango Daiquiri

Summer Fun Mango Daiquiri from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1369.001

Summer Green Bean Salad

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-DS.001.0535.001

Summer Strawberry Orange Cups

.

RCI-SC.002.0044.001

Sumo Peanut Dipping Sauce

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

RCI-BR.004.0513.001

Sumptuous Strawberry Shortcake

.

RCI-DS.003.0299.001

Sunny Citrus Cubes

Yield: 16 pieces, 2 inch x 2 inch

RCI-VG.002.0181.001

Sunny Potato Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6

RCI-DS.001.0536.001

Sunset over Mango Soufflé

Sunset over Mango Soufflé from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0538.001

Sunshine Squares

From: Vicki Lansky's Candy Book