Categories: | FAQ | Everyday Baking
Baking
Storage
- How long does sugar last?
- How should I store my Domino® Granulated Sugar and Domino® Powdered Sugar?
- How to Store Brown Sugar
- How to Soften Brown Sugar
Usage
- What is the difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar?
- Can you substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
- Can powdered sugar be substituted for white sugar?
- Does any Domino® Sugar product contain any allergens?
Baking
What does sugar do in bread?
Sugar acts as a tenderizer during mixing. It absorbs water and slows the development of gluten strands that can make the dough or batter rigid and tough. Use sugar to prevent gluten development and give your breads a tender crumb texture and good volume.
In addition, sugar provides an immediate and ready source of nourishment for the yeast growth. With sugar, leavening hastens and the dough rises at a faster and more consistent rate.
If you want less sugar in your bread, you can remove 1 or 2 tablespoons without changing most recipes. Conversely, you can usually add a tablespoon of sugar to most bread recipes (1 tablespoon to 3 cups of flour) with no problems.
And from an aesthetic point of view, sugar gives baked goods a wonderfully golden brown crust.
Storage
How long does sugar last?
Sugar, properly stored, has an indefinite shelf life because it does not support microbial growth. Because Domino® harvests its sugar cane year-round, you can expect optimum freshness and flavor at the time of your purchase. Even though the shelf life of sugar is indefinite, granulated sugar is best when used within 3 years of purchase and powdered sugar is best when used within 2 years of purchase.
How should I store my Domino® Granulated Sugar and Domino® Powdered Sugar?
Moisture makes granulated sugar hard and lumpy. Once this happens, there is no way to adequately restore it. Always store granulated sugar in a covered container in a cool, dry area.
Store powdered sugar in a cool, dry location (not the refrigerator). When it gets moist, it develops lumps. And because of its physical properties, it tends to absorb strong odors – it can even absorb odors through the package.
How to Store Brown Sugar
Air hardens brown sugar. Store it in a cool area, in a covered container. If that’s not possible, store the entire container in a second canister with a tight-fitting lid. You can also empty the sugar into a rustproof/glass container (or a heavy, moisture-proof plastic bag) and keep it tightly closed. Even though the shelf life of brown sugar is indefinite, it’s best to use it within two years of purchase for maximum flavor. Don’t store brown sugar in the refrigerator. However, if you are in a very dry area or are going to keep it for a long time, you may want to freeze it. To use frozen sugar, thaw it for two or three hours. If ice crystals form after long freezer storage, gently stir the sugar as soon as it thaws to prevent pockets of moisture from causing damage. (Note: Domino® 2 lb. brown sugars are now packaged in a popular zip-pack container.)
How to Soften Brown Sugar
When brown sugar hardens, it loses its moisture. Here are some suggestions to restore the moisture and soften the sugar:
- If you need to use hardened brown sugar immediately, remove it from the package, wrap in a damp cloth dishtowel or paper towel, place is an oven-proof dish/pan and heat it in a 250-degree oven. Watch it carefully. As soon as it’s soft, measure the amount you need right away because it will harden as it cools. Please use caution. Oven heated sugar is very hot!
- To soften brown sugar in a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely with a wet (but not dripping) white paper towel, set the microwave on high, and check the sugar every 30 seconds. Again, microwave-softened sugar hardens as it cools so microwave only the amount of sugar you need. And it’s very hot. Please use caution.
- Time permitting, place the hardened brown sugar in a rustproof container with a dampened – not dripping wet – white paper towel or napkin placed over a small piece of plastic wrap or foil on top of the sugar. Cover tightly. Remove the paper towel after the sugar absorbs the moisture and softens (about two days) and tightly reseal the container.
Usage
What is the difference between light brown sugar and dark brown sugar?
Use these two sugars interchangeably in recipes calling for brown sugar. For a delicate, light, nutty caramel flavor, use Domino® Light Brown Sugar. For a rich, old-time molasses taste and deeper color, use Domino® Dark Brown sugar.
Can you substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
In quick breads, cookies, and some cakes (such as an applesauce cake), brown sugar can usually be substituted for granulated. Use 1 cup of lightly packed brown sugar to replace 1 cup of granulated.
Can powdered sugar be substituted for white sugar?
In short, no. Powdered sugar has a finer crystal size and contains 3% cornstarch that keeps the sugar soft. Substitutions may result in unsatisfactory results.
Does any Domino® Sugar product contain any allergens?
Please contact us to receive detailed, up-to-date allergen information regarding our products.
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