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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-MT.002.0053.001

Binagoongang Baboy

Pork cooked with Shrimp paste.

RCI-BR.005.0065.001

Biscoitos de Maizena

Cornstarch Cookies. These cookies are so light they melt in your mouth. They are a great favorite of Brazilians. They're called Maizena cookies because that's the brand name for cornstarch in Brazil. These are made with cornstarch only.

RCI-BR.005.0066.001

Biscotti

Biscotti more correctly known as biscotti di Prato (English: biscuits of Prato), also known as cantuccini (English: corners), are a twice-baked cake originating in the Italian city of Prato.

RCI-BR.003.0078.001

Biscuit Easter Bunnies

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0080.001

Biscuits

- These biscuits are tall, light, and flaky. They are less salty than many bought mixes. They taste good plain or with butter, honey, jam, or sausage/ham gravy.

RCI-BR.003.0083.001

Biscuits with Sour Cream

In Romanian: Pesmeti cu smantana

RCI-VG.002.0017.001

Bistro Potato Salad with Caramelized Onions

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Trapper Estate in Garland, Texas in 1987. Also part of the family collection from the Hoyt Estate in Allen, Texas in 1989.

RCI-BR.006.0039.001

Bittersweet Chocolate Basil Tart with Honey Grapefruit Sauce

Bittersweet Chocolate Basil Tart with Honey Grapefruit Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0074.001

Bittersweet Chocolate Bread Pudding

Purchased from the Young Estate in Sparks, Nevada in 1990. The notation on card says this was "Paw-Paw's favorite dessert". Dated 1916.

RCI-SP.003.0087.001

Black Bean Chili Pot Pie

Black Bean Chili Pot Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0100.001

Black Bean Stir-Fry

Black Bean Stir-Fry

RCI-DS.002.0021.001

Blackberry Alaskas

A sweet canadian prepared dessert, can be eaten at every moment of the day, best after a good dinner. Requires only basic cooking skills. Enjoy !

RCI-DS.005.0004.001

Blackberry Curd

Makes about 1 pint blackberry curd will keep up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

RCI-BR.004.0064.001

Blackberry Jam Cake with Caramel Icing

From my Aunt Maggie's Collection. Notation on card says 1932.

RCI-SC.005.0014.001

Blackberry Salsa

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-BV.002.0011.001

Blackberry Smoothie

.

RCI-DS.005.0005.001

Black Currant and Rhubarb Jam

Black Currant and Rhubarb Jam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0042.001

Black Pepper Syrup

Black Pepper Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0028.001

Bliny

(singular blin; in Russian, блин[ы]) are small Russian pancakes, typically topped with sour cream, jam or caviar. The following recipe makes 20-25 blini.

RCI-BR.004.0065.002

Bløtkake

Bløtkake is a traditional Norwegian dessert, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays. It is also served on Norway's national day, May 17th.

RCI-BR.004.0065.001

Bløtkake

Bløtkake is a traditional Norwegian dessert, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays. It is also served on Norway's national day, May 17th.

RCI-DS.004.0035.001

Blueberry Betty

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

RCI-DS.001.0077.001

Blueberry Bread Pudding

Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0087.001

Blueberry Buckle

A nice canadian dessert recipe by Helen O'Blenis. Tastes great and easy to create !

RCI-DS.004.0036.001

Blueberry Cobbler

Farmers' Market Recipes by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resouces, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: About an hour Serves: 8

RCI-DS.004.0040.001

Blueberry Grunt Recipe

Blueberry Grunt Recipe from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0078.001

Blueberry Meringue Rice Custard

Makes 8 servings.

Blueberry muffin
RCI-BR.003.0088.001

Blueberry muffin

are a pastry common in many parts of the world.

RCI-DS.004.0041.001

Blueberry Nut Crunch

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

RCI-DS.001.0079.001

Blueberry, Orange Bread Pudding with Strawberry, Rhubarb Sauce

This Recipe is From The April 2002 Chef of The Month Interview with Arlene Ward.

RCI-BR.006.0041.001

Blueberry Pie I

The deep blue jewels of summer are the lovely blueberry. Blueberry season is short so enjoy eating them any way you can. Here's a recipe for Blueberry Pie.

RCI-BR.006.0042.001

Blueberry Raspberry Pie

Blueberry Raspberry Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0043.001

Blueberry-Rhubarb Breakfast Sauce

Yields 7 cups.

RCI-DS.001.0081.001

Blueberry Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.001.0030.001

Blueberry Rolls

Blueberry Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0029.001

Blueberry Soy Pancakes

Blueberry Soy Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0067.001

Blueberry Streusel Cake

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Love Estate in Sachse, Texas in 1984.

RCI-SC.003.0027.001

Blue Cheese Dressing with Buttermilk

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BV.008.0008.001

Blue Corn Atole

A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.008.0030.001

Blue Corn Flapjacks

Contributed by A River of Recipes:

RCI-BR.008.0031.001

Blue Corn Hot Cakes or Waffles

A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods by the USDA Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0077.001

Bohemian Christmas Cookies

Bohemian Christmas Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0104.001

Boiled Collard Green

Boiled Collard Green from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0083.001

Boiled Custard

Serve over pound cake or Jell-O.

RCI-DS.001.0084.001

Boiled Custard Eggnog

Boiled Custard Eggnog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.006.0006.001

Boiled Moldavian Sausages

In Romanian: Caltabosi moldovenesti (fierti)

RCI-BR.003.0098.002

Bojo

Bojo from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0098.001

Bojo

Cuisine of Suriname

RCI-VG.004.0107.001

Bok Choy with Hot Bacon Sauce

Bok Choy with Hot Bacon Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0044.001

Boko Boko Harees

Wheat paste food