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| ROLE
OF SUGAR IN COOKING
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Role
of Sugar in Canning and Freezing
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Sugar is primarily used in
canning and freezing fruits as a flavor enhancer
and texturizing agent. It also aids in preserving
the natural color and body of the canned/frozen
item. Let us see how-
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Sugar molecules that cross the threshold of cells
& tissues, form complexes with the
polysaccharides in the cell wall, thereby,
strengthening the cell structure. As a result, the
fruit's texture is sheltered against weakening
during freezing/ canning.
Not only this, sugar also helps minimize
oxidation, thus helping the fruit texture to
remain firm & not sag. |
In canning, fruits are dipped in sugar syrup of more
sugar concentration that in the fruit itself. As a
domino effect, sugar and sugar syrups help
equalize solute concentration both inside and
outside the fruit's cells- a process technically
termed as osmosis. This, as a consequence, helps
preserve the fruit's flavor and shape.
As the fruit gets cooked in the sugar syrup, cell
walls become permeable and the fruit texture
becomes tender. This results in a fleshy and
appealing canned fruit that looks and tastes
juicier than the real fruit! |
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In freezing fruits, the fruit is
mixed with dry sugar or syrup, in a given
proportion, so that each piece is coated. Fruits
packed in syrup are frequently preferred for
dessert, whilst fruits frozen in dry sugar are
chosen for cooking purposes. But the
million-dollar question is- why do they need
this coating?
You see, all fruits have enzymes. When fruits
come into contact with air, they tend to undergo
what is called- ‘enzymatic browning’. Sugar
helps protect the surfaces of frozen fresh fruit
from contact with air. Sugar also minimizes
flavor change by retarding possible
fermentation.
Into the bargain, when sugar is used in freezing
fruit, the texture, flavor, and body of the
fruit, are all preserved upon thawing. So you
get the desired end product!
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Specialty
sugars recommended for canning & freezing -- |
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4 |
Icing
Sugar |
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4 |
Golden
Syrup |
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4 |
Castor
Sugar |
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4 |
Bar
Sugar |
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To understand the
role of sugar in detail in other cooking &
processing methods, select the following options- |
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