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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.004.0533.001

Tres Leches Costa Rica

milk cake

RCI-BR.004.0534.001

Tres Leches or Milk cake

Tres Leches or Milk cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0535.001

Tres Leches/ Three Milks

Tres Leches/ Three Milks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0306.001

Tri-colored Autumn Rice Balls

(San-Shoku Ohagi) Ohagi is a simple a tea sweet, which was at one time served during the autumn equinox celebration. The name comes from a type of bush clover that only blooms in the fall. Serve these rice balls with your finest cup of tea.

RCI-VG.001.0626.001

Trini Cole Slaw

Serves: accordingly Prep Time: 7-10 minutes Occasion: Any Effort: Easy

RCI-BR.004.0536.001

Trinidad Black Cake

Fruit cake.

RCI-SN.002.0294.001

Trinidadian Banana Fritters

Trinidadian Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0420.001

Trinidad Sweet Bread

*

RCI-DS.003.0307.001

Triple-chocolate Fudge

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of t

RCI-BR.005.0634.001

Triple-chocolate Fudge Brownies

Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Amy Dye—original source of recipe

RCI-DS.001.0575.001

Triple-layer Cheesecake

Triple-layer Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0576.001

Tropcial Rice Pudding

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

RCI-BV.006.0030.001

Tropical fish punch

Tropical fish punch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.002.0295.001

Tropical Fritter Snacks

I took a long detour around a pineapple fritter recipe and concocted these. We found them to be quite tasty.

RCI-MT.004.0812.001

Tropical Island Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H

RCI-VG.001.0627.001

Tropical Papaya Salad

Tropical Papaya Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0577.001

Tropical Tofu-Rice Pudding

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-DS.001.0578.001

Tropical Whip

There is no end to the variety of Tropical Whips you can make using different fruits in different combinations. Use the same proportions as in this recipe and you will have a lovely dessert.

RCI-BR.005.0636.001

Tucson Lemon Bars

Tucson Lemon Bars Jeanne has provided a very tasty Lemon Bars recipe that, as it turns out, appears to be an Omani dessert. Her recipe is for only half the size, and without a glaze.

RCI-RC.006.0139.001

Tunisian Farka

Tunisian Farka, Serves 8

RCI-MT.004.0830.001

Turkey with Quinces

In Romanian: Curcan cu gutui

RCI-DS.003.0311.001

Turkish Delight

or (also loukoum), is a confection made from starch and sugar. It is often flavored with rosewater or lemon, the former giving it a characteristic pale pink color.

RCI-VG.004.1464.001

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0312.001

Turron de Vino

300px| Turron de Vino Wine meringue This recipe is for 8 to 10 serving

RCI-DS.001.0579.001

Tutti-Fruitti Rice Custard

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-SF.002.0300.001

Two-pepper Shrimp

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * 4 servings

RCI-BR.005.0638.001

Ultimate Brownies

Makes about 36 brownies.

RCI-BR.008.0211.001

Uncle Gordo's Belgian Waffles

Purchased from Neeley Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1994. Dated 1947.

RCI-SC.007.0336.001

Unique Sandwich Spread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Williams Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1994.

RCI-DS.001.0582.001

Upside Down Cherry Pudding

Upside Down Cherry Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0634.001

USDA Coleslaw

Humble cabbage becomes coleslaw when mixed with salad dressing and other tasty ingredients.

RCI-BR.003.0425.001

USDA Muffins

From: Breads, Cakes and Pies in Family Meals Serves: 12 (makes 12 medium-size muffins) Calories per muffin: About 150

RCI-BR.003.0426.001

Valentine Bread

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.005.0639.001

Valentine French Kisses

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-BR.004.0541.001

Valentine Heart Cake

Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-DS.002.0192.001

Valentine Meringue Hearts

Valentine Meringue Hearts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0313.001

Valentine's Day Microwave Fudge

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0542.001

Valentine's Heart Cake

Valentine's Heart Cake Yield: 4 servings, 1 eight-inch cake

RCI-DS.003.0314.001

Vanilla Caramel

Vanilla Caramel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0583.001

Vanilla Charlotte

In Romanian: Sarlota de vanilie

RCI-BR.005.0641.001

Vanilla Cookies

Vanilla Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.001.0065.001

Vanilla Cream II

In Romanian: crema de vanilie II

RCI-DS.001.0584.001

Vanilla Cream Pudding

Milk, Nonfat, Dry Non-Instant by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6

RCI-BR.005.0642.001

Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky)

Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0315.002

Vanilla Fudge

The delicious treat from heaven made easy for you to make at home.

RCI-DS.002.0196.001

Vanilla Pecan Ice Cream

This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.

RCI-DS.002.0197.001

Vanilla Rice Custard Freeze

Makes 8 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0645.001

Vanilla Wafers

Vanilla Wafers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0300.001

Varm Frugtsuppe

Warm Fruit Soup - Serves 6 Warm Fruit Soup - Varm Frugtsuppe

RCI-VG.004.1479.001

Varm Kålstuvning

Hot Slaw - Serves 6 Hot Slaw - Varm Kålstuvning