Sugar

• To sweeten beverages like coffee, tea, lemonade, and cocktails, adding a touch of sweetness to balance other flavors and enhance the overall taste.- For baking cakes, cookies, muffins, and breads, contributing to the texture, structure, moisture retention, and browning of the final product. The type of sugar used can greatly affect the outcome.- In making candies and confections like caramel, fudge, and hard candies, where it forms the base and provides the necessary sweetness and structure for a variety of textures and flavors.- As a preservative in jams, jellies, and fruit preserves, helping to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, extending the shelf life of these homemade goods while also sweetening the flavor.- To create syrups and sauces for desserts and savory dishes, like simple syrup, caramel sauce, or sweet and sour sauce, adding both sweetness and thickness to the preparation.- For making brines and marinades for meat and vegetables, helping to tenderize the food, add flavor, and create a delicious crust when cooked.

• Provides quick energy for the body.
• Can improve mood due to its effect on the brain's reward system.
• May enhance athletic performance by providing readily available fuel.
• Simple carbohydrates from sugar can be easily digested.

Store sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar should be stored separately to prevent clumping or hardening. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to spoilage.