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5.2: Introduction to Carbohydrates - Sugar

  • Page ID
    29388
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    Objectives and Laboratory Problems
    • To determine the effect of dry heat on sugar.
    • To describe sensory properties of the sugars and syrups.

    Describe the major differences in sensory properties between the following types of sugars and syrups:

    Type Characteristics Sensory Properties
    Granulated Sugar crystalline sucrose  
    Commercial Raw Sugar semi-refined granulated sugar  
    Powdered or Confectioners Sugar finely pulverized white sugar with 3% corn starch added to prevent lumping  
    Molasses by-product of producing refined white sugar from cane. Contains sucrose, other sugars, organic acids and minerals  
    Light Molasses syrup produced from first boiling of sugarcane juice  
    Dark Molasses syrup produced from second boiling of sugarcane juice; less sweet and more flavorful than light molasses  
    Light Brown Sugar sugar less refined than granulated sugar, coated with molasses  
    Dark Brown Sugar sugar even less refined than light brown sugar, coated with molasses  
    Light Corn Syrup clear syrup made from hydrolyzed cornstarch, containing glucose, maltose and dextrin’s. May have added high-fructose corn syrup and/or added flavorings: vanilla, salt.  
    High Fructose Corn Syrup corn syrup in which some of the glucose has been enzymatically converted to fructose, a sweeter sugar than sucrose  
    Dark Corn Syrup mixture of light corn syrup and refiners’ syrup  
    Honey plant nectar which has been concentrated by bees. The major sugars are fructose and glucose  
    Sorghum concentrated sap of sorghum cane  
    Maple Syrup concentrated sap of maple trees  
    Imitation Maple Syrup or Pancake Syrup blend of syrups, often including imitation or natural maple syrup, intended for use on pancakes.  

    Effect of dry heat on sugar:

    1. Spread ½ cup sugar evenly in iron skillet.
    2. Heat slowly until sugar is completely melted.
    3. Pour half of melted sugar onto greased, warm plate.
    4. Add ⅛ tsp. soda to remaining sugar, stir rapidly to blend, and pour onto greased, warm plate.
    5. Record observations.

    Diagram of chemical compounds responsible for caramel tastes (maltol) and nutty flavors (furan).

    Product Color Texture Flavor
    Caramelized Sugar      
    Caramelized Sugar with Soda Added      

    5.2: Introduction to Carbohydrates - Sugar is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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