Sugar Cane and Sugar Beet

1
Sugar Cane and Sugar Beet

• Sugar Cane and Sugar Beet are processed in order
  to produce many different kinds of sugar- caster,
  granulated, dark brown, soft brown, preserving
  sugar, muscovado, icing sugar, demerara, sugar
  cubes and molasses.

2
Eating too much sugar

• Eating too much sugar leads to the build up of
  plaque and tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky
  substance made up of bacteria which is found on
  the teeth. The bacteria breaks down sugar and
  produces acid that destroys the enamel of teeth.

3
Heating sugar

• When a sugar solution is heated to a very high
  temperature it thickens and turns brown adding
  flavour and colour. This is known as
  caramelisation.
• If the solution is overheated it blackens and
  produces an unpleasant taste.
• Dextrinisation takes place when starch is cooked
  in a dry heat such as the grill or oven. It is
  broken down to simple sugar called dextrin.

4
Functions of sugar

• Sweetens- cakes, biscuits, cooked fruit.
• Adds colour-browning cakes by caramelisation and
  dextrinisation.
• Flavour enhancer- tomatoes, baked beans, canned
  vegetables
• Aerates-traps air when creamed with fat
• Decorates-sprinkled sugar, butter icing, icing
• Speeds up fermentation-provides food for the
  yeast

5
Alternatives to sugar

• Artificial sweeteners are low in calories.
  Manufacturers often use a mixture of artificial
  sweeteners
• Bulk sweeteners are similar in taste and are used
  in similar amounts in recipes.
• Intense sweeteners are used in small amounts as
  they are much sweeter than sugar.