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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.001.0259.001

Suomalaisruisleipa

Finnish rye bread. Will have a more or less sour taste, depending whether it is made with beer, buttermilk, potato water, or milk, in that order.

RCI-VG.001.0588.001

Superb Coleslaw

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0514.001

Super Chocolatey Cupcakes

Super Chocolatey Cupcakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0589.001

Surprise Salad

6 servings Sauerkraut

RCI-BR.005.0609.001

Susan and Michael's Paint Brush Cookies

Makes 4 dozen cookies.

RCI-MT.001.0273.001

Suya

Suya from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0201.001

Svele Kake

Norwegian Pancakes

RCI-BR.004.0515.001

Sveskekage

Sveskekage Prune cake Serves 8

RCI-BR.001.0261.001

Swayweih

Sweet vermicelli, a popular breakfast/brunch item

RCI-SN.004.0161.001

Swedish Breakfast Crackers

Swedish Breakfast Crackers

RCI-BR.005.0610.001

Swedish Brown Sugar Cookies

A May Day tradition Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny World Recipes Y-Group Prep Time: 30 minutes Yield: 24 cookies

RCI-BR.001.0262.001

Swedish Cardamom Braid

* Source: Holiday Cookbook, Wedman

RCI-BR.006.0334.001

Swedish Cheese Pie

Swedish Cheese Pie

RCI-DS.003.0302.001

Swedish Chocolate Balls I

Swedish Chocolate Balls

RCI-DS.001.0540.001

Swedish Creme

Swedish Creme

RCI-MT.005.0295.001

Swedish Meatballs II

These small meatballs, faintly flavored with allspice and nutmeg in a creamy sauce, would be good at a cocktail buffet speared with toothpicks. They are equally good served six to a person over noodles for dinner.

RCI-MT.005.0297.001

Swedish Meatballs with Ground Beef and Pork

Swedish Meatballs with ground beef and pork

RCI-BR.004.0516.001

Swedish Nut Cake

Swedish Nut Cake

RCI-BR.004.0517.001

Swedish Nut cake II

Swedish Nut cake II

RCI-BR.008.0202.001

Swedish Pancakes

Swedish Pancakes

RCI-RC.005.0087.001

Swedish Rice Porridge

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0541.001

Swedish Rice Pudding II

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.003.0404.001

Swedish Rusks

Swedish Rusks

RCI-BR.005.0611.001

Swedish Sandwich Cookies

Swedish Sandwich Cookies

RCI-SF.003.0042.001

Swedish Sugar and Salt-cured Salmon

Swedish Sugar and Salt Cured Salmon

RCI-BR.005.0612.001

Swedish Wafers

Swedish Wafers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0171.001

Sweet and Sassy Cherry Sauce

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Original recipe Prep Time: 15 Minutes Servings: 2 cups (1 tbsp per serving)

RCI-VG.004.1379.001

Sweet and Sour Green Cabbage

Sweet and Sour Green Cabbage from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0789.001

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

ketchup, tamarind and fresh spice mix give this thick and rich sambal curry a tangy and sweet flavour!

RCI-BR.001.0263.001

Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay

Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0542.001

Sweet Banana Soup

Sweet Banana Soup This dessert is served hot as well as cold, mostly in Hanoi.

RCI-BR.004.0518.001

Sweet Butter in 15 Minutes

A recipe by Stelios Parliaros.

RCI-MT.004.0791.001

Sweet Chile-glazed Chicken Wings

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 4 first-

RCI-BR.003.0405.002

Sweet Cornbread

Sweet Cornbread is a variant of the Skillet Cornbread made throughout central and eastern Ontario and Quebec and is sometimes known by the alternative name of Johnny Cake.

RCI-BR.004.0519.001

Sweet Corn Cake

Purchased from the Zimmerman Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1989 – date on card says 1926 Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SC.007.0311.001

Sweetened Condensed Milk Substitute

Commercial sweetened condensed milk is made by evaporating a mixture of whole milk and sugar until a creamy, thick consistency, much like that of honey, is achieved. It is used in pies, candies, frosting, and ice creams to add extra richness.

RCI-BR.001.0265.001

Sweet Hembesha

Sweet Eritrean bread

RCI-BR.003.0406.001

Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread

Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.002.0213.001

Sweet Onion Soup

Sweet Onion Soup from the Public Health Cookbook -- original source of recipe, taken from government resource in the public domain Cook Time: 50 minutes Serves: 8

RCI-VG.005.0254.001

Sweet Pickled Garden Vegetables

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-BR.003.0408.001

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Sweet Potatoes Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-DS.001.0544.001

Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

Sweet potato Bread Pudding that I perfected in 1982. I loved sweet potatoes and love bread pudding. I experimented with these recipe for 3-4 times before I came up with this version which won second place in a cooking contest in 1999. Enjoy.

RCI-BR.001.0266.001

Sweet Potato Buns

Sweet Potato Buns from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0336.001

Sweet Potato Pie II

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

RCI-DS.001.0545.001

Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potato pudding is a sweet treat and a great side for Thanksgiving meals.

RCI-DS.001.0546.001

Sweet Potato Pudding I

Very popular in Zambia and throughout Africa! Quickly and easy!

RCI-EG.003.0142.001

Sweet Potato Soufflé I

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0411.001

Sweet Pumpkin Scones

Sweet Pumpkin Scones from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0219.001

Sweet Rice I

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SC.006.0034.001

Sweet sauce for spring rolls

Sweet sauce for spring rolls from the Recidemia collection