
sugar
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)
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.
Superb Coleslaw
Makes 4 servings.
Super Chocolatey Cupcakes
Super Chocolatey Cupcakes from the Recidemia collection
Surprise Salad
6 servings Sauerkraut
Susan and Michael's Paint Brush Cookies
Makes 4 dozen cookies.
Suya
Suya from the Recidemia collection
Svele Kake
Norwegian Pancakes
Sveskekage
Sveskekage Prune cake Serves 8
Swayweih
Sweet vermicelli, a popular breakfast/brunch item
Swedish Breakfast Crackers
Swedish Breakfast Crackers
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
Swedish Cardamom Braid
* Source: Holiday Cookbook, Wedman
Swedish Cheese Pie
Swedish Cheese Pie
Swedish Chocolate Balls I
Swedish Chocolate Balls
Swedish Creme
Swedish Creme
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.
Swedish Meatballs with Ground Beef and Pork
Swedish Meatballs with ground beef and pork
Swedish Nut Cake
Swedish Nut Cake
Swedish Nut cake II
Swedish Nut cake II
Swedish Pancakes
Swedish Pancakes
Swedish Rice Porridge
Makes 6 servings.
Swedish Rice Pudding II
Makes 6 servings.
Swedish Rusks
Swedish Rusks
Swedish Sandwich Cookies
Swedish Sandwich Cookies
Swedish Sugar and Salt-cured Salmon
Swedish Sugar and Salt Cured Salmon
Swedish Wafers
Swedish Wafers from the Recidemia collection
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)
Sweet and Sour Green Cabbage
Sweet and Sour Green Cabbage from the Recidemia collection
Sweet and Spicy Chicken
ketchup, tamarind and fresh spice mix give this thick and rich sambal curry a tangy and sweet flavour!
Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay
Sweet Anise Bread from Uruguay from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Banana Soup
Sweet Banana Soup This dessert is served hot as well as cold, mostly in Hanoi.
Sweet Butter in 15 Minutes
A recipe by Stelios Parliaros.
Sweet Chile-glazed Chicken Wings
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 4 first-
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.
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
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.
Sweet Hembesha
Sweet Eritrean bread
Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread
Sweet, Moist, Wholesome Zucchini Bread from the Recidemia collection
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
Sweet Pickled Garden Vegetables
right|Name of the Recipe
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet Potatoes Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
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.
Sweet Potato Buns
Sweet Potato Buns from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Potato Pie II
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Sweet Potato Pudding
Sweet potato pudding is a sweet treat and a great side for Thanksgiving meals.
Sweet Potato Pudding I
Very popular in Zambia and throughout Africa! Quickly and easy!
Sweet Potato Soufflé I
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Sweet Pumpkin Scones
Sweet Pumpkin Scones from the Recidemia collection
Sweet Rice I
Makes 6 servings.
Sweet sauce for spring rolls
Sweet sauce for spring rolls from the Recidemia collection