Description

In cooking, a syrup is a thick, viscous liquid, containing a large amount of dissolved sugars, but showing little tendency to deposit crystals. Simple sugar syrup is made by stirring granulated sugar into hot water in a sauce pan until the sugar is dissolved and then cooling the solution.

Generally, the ratio of sugar to water can range anywhere from 1:1 to 2:1.Using it as a sugar substitute should mean using a lesser amount. It is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts. It has a sweetness similar to honey, and is often used as a substitute for people who do not eat honey. It can also be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Sugar syrup may also be used as a topping for hot cereal or for pancakes. This type of syrup is also commonly used at coffee shops, especially in the United States, to make flavoured drinks.

How to Select

Sugar syrup is commercially available in stores. The sugar syrup is usually sold in cans or in jars resembling large jelly jars. The syrup can be naturally light in color which is often used in candy making or darker which is usually used for general baking purposes. It can be easily made at home by dissolving sugar in water.Check the 'best before date' before buying packaged sugar syrup.

Culinary uses

" The sugar syrup is popular in baked goods, candy, frostings, jams, jellies, etc.
" Sugar syrup can be used to make cookies, rice crispies, caramel snack mixes, nutritional bars, ice creams, sorbets.
" The syrup may be added in any cereal and had as a dessert or a healthy breakfast on the go with fruits.
" It is a common ingredient for chocolates, fudges, cakes and biscuits
" Sugar syrups are commonly added to cocktails, mocktails and fruit juices as sweetener.

How to store

Store sugar syrup in tightly sealed containers at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Health Benefits

" Sugar syrup can pose considerable risks to people who suffer from non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and postmenopausal women.
" And while it may be perfectly harmless to consume sugar syrup in moderation, restrict eating too much of syrup containing cookies, candies and soft drinks.