CRUSH SUGAR Meaning and
Definition
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Crush sugar refers to a type of sugar that has undergone a specific process to produce fine, granulated sugar. It is often derived from sugarcane, but can also be obtained from sugar beets. The term "crush" in crush sugar signifies the action of crushing or grinding the sugar cane or beets into a pulp or syrup before undergoing further processing.
This pulp or syrup is then passed through a series of procedures to remove impurities, such as dirt, leaves, and fiber. These impurities are separated through various filtration and clarification processes. After purification, the syrup is further concentrated through evaporation, resulting in a thick, sticky substance called molasses.
To obtain the desired fine, granulated sugar texture, the molasses is further boiled and centrifuged. This process causes the liquid to crystallize and gradually separate from the remaining molasses. As a result, the sugar crystals are left behind, which are then further collected, dried, and sifted to achieve the desired texture and consistency.
Crush sugar is commonly used in culinary applications, both in cooking and baking. It is a versatile sweetener that can be easily dissolved, sprinkled, or mixed into various recipes. Crush sugar is often chosen for its compatibility with a wide range of dishes, beverages, and desserts due to its quick dissolving properties and ability to evenly distribute sweetness throughout a dish.
Etymology of CRUSH SUGAR
There doesn't seem to be a specific term "crush sugar" in the English language with a distinct etymology. However, "crush" and "sugar" as individual words do have their origins.
The word "crush" originated around the late 14th century, deriving from the Old French word "croissir", meaning "to gnash with the teeth" or "to break into small pieces". It later evolved to mean "to press forcefully" or "to pulverize".
"Sugar" has its roots in the Arabic language. It comes from the Arabic word "sukkar", which was borrowed from Persian. It then passed into Latin as "sucus" (meaning juice or sap) and transformed into "zucchero" in Italian before entering English as "sugar" around the 13th century.
