Sugar is the basis of countless preparations in the kitchen. More than just sweet: sugar provides structure, color, and shelf life in baked goods, desserts, and sauces.
We use sugar almost daily, often without realizing how versatile it actually is. From the fine granulated sugar in pancakes to the cane sugar in cookies — each type has its own character.
Types of Sugar
In the kitchen, we use different types of sugar, each with its own application:
Granulated sugar (see photo): the standard white sugar for pastries, cookies, cakes, and drinks.
Caster sugar / pastry sugar: dissolves faster, ideal for airy preparations like meringue.
Icing sugar (powdered sugar): finely ground sugar with some starch, used for finishing or in glazes.
Cane sugar: light brown sugar with a slightly caramel-like flavor, often used in cookies and marinades.
Candy sugar: coarse sugar with a rich flavor, used in pancake batter, stews, and beer.
Vanilla sugar: sugar with a hint of vanilla, ideal for pastries and desserts.
Role in Cooking
Sugar does much more than just sweeten:
Flavor: enhances aromas and masks bitterness or acidity.
Texture: helps with browning baked goods and forming crispy crusts.
Preservation: in jams and syrups, sugar slows down spoilage.
Volume: in whipped preparations (like egg white foam), sugar provides stability.
Tip
Store sugar in a dry, airtight container, as moisture will cause it to clump.