Sugar

Sugar is a sweetener that is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets and may also be known by its chemical name: sucrose. There are a wide range of different sugars available, which vary in flavour, colour and texture depending on their degree of refinement and their molasses content. White sugars such as granulated or caster are highly refined, whereas brown sugars such as muscovado or demerara have a high molasses content are darker, stickier with a stronger flavour.

Sugar is most often used as a sweetener, but may be also be used in recipes for other purposes. For example, it can stabilise mixtures such as meringues and may be added to dough to make it more tender.

In this section, you'll find an in-depth guide to a range of white and brown sugars that may be used in cooking, baking or at the table.