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Granulated sugar, also known as White Sugar, Table Sugar, or Refined Sugar, typically appears as white, granular or sometimes finely powdered form. It is commonly derived from sugar beets or sugarcane, both plants rich in natural sugars.
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2. What is Granulated Sugar Made From?
Manufacturers often opt for sugar beets or sugarcane, two plants abundant in natural sugar content. While extraction from fruits like apples or peaches is possible, it tends to be time-consuming and leaves behind considerable waste.
The process of producing granulated sugar involves multiple steps. Sugar refineries start by washing sugarcane or sugar beets, slicing or crushing them, and then pressing to extract the sugar juice. This sugar juice is then heated to form a thick syrup. Next, manufacturers use high-speed centrifugal machines to remove the brown syrup that coats the sugar crystals. They continue refining, drying, and cooling processes to prevent the crystals from clumping together. The final product obtained is white sugar in granule form, similar in size to table salt.
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3. Types of White Granulated Sugar
After understanding what granulated sugar is and how it's produced, the next step before choosing granulated sugar is distinguishing between different types of sugar. Processed white sugar comes in various sizes, including 4 types:
Granulated Sugar: This is the most common type of sugar, with granules similar in size to table salt. Baking recipes often use this type of sugar.
Superfine Sugar: Sometimes called caster sugar. Superfine sugar is processed similar to white granulated sugar but is ground to a smaller size. Desserts like sponge cakes, mousses, or fresh creams often use superfine sugar. It's also a popular choice for cold beverages like iced tea or lemonade because it dissolves quickly compared to regular sugar.
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Powdered Sugar: This is a type of white sugar ground into powder mixed with a small amount of cornstarch (to prevent clumping). Powdered sugar is an ingredient in frothy desserts and creams because it dissolves quickly.
Cube Sugar: These square sugar cubes are made by pressing together white sugar into cube shapes. Commonly used to sweeten hot beverages.
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4. Uses of Granulated Sugar
What is granulated sugar? According to information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 teaspoon (4g) of granulated sugar contains the following nutritional content:
- Calories: 15.4
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Sugar provides a quick source of energy (glucose) for the body. The cells, tissues, and organs of your body often rely on glucose to function.
However, Calories from sugar are considered 'empty calories' because they contain little to no nutritional value. Sugar also does not provide significant amounts of vitamins or minerals. Consuming too much sugar can negatively impact health, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, poor dental health, and more. Therefore, you should use a moderate amount of sugar and avoid using it too frequently.
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5. How to Use Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is the most commonly used type in cooking, baking, and beverages to enhance flavor and add sweetness. Sugar is also used for fermentation or to improve food texture.
Additionally, sugar has hygroscopic properties. To keep sugar grains loose and dry, you should store them in tightly sealed jars or zip-top bags. Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding areas with high humidity, moisture, or darkness to prevent sugar from clumping or spoiling.
Above are the answers to What is Granulated Sugar. Check out more types of ingredients at Mytour.
Read more:
- What is Brown Sugar? How to Use Brown Sugar
- What is Grape Sugar? How to Use Grape Sugar
