What Is Fine Caster Sugar?
Caster sugar, a term unfamiliar to many Americans, is not widely available in most . supermarkets. Caster sugar in the U.K. fills a similar niche to American granulated sugar due to its ready availability there. Does this Spark an idea?
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Terminology
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Sugar jar. The term "caster sugar," sometimes spelled "castor sugar," implies a relatively finer-grained sugar than granulated and a coarser-grained sugar than powdered or icing sugar.
Superfine
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Americans may apply the modifier "fine" or "superfine" to caster sugar, though technically this is redundant. Americans often use a fine-grained product called "superfine sugar" similar to the grain size of caster sugar, intended for sweet drinks.
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Taste
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Sugar cubes. Caster sugar tastes and looks virtually the same color as granulated sugar. U.K. shops may also carry a golden variety caster sugar that has hints of molasses.
Equivalents
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Caster sugar can be used in roughly the same equivalents as granulated sugar. Granulated sugar can be whizzed in a food processor to more closely approximate the texture of caster sugar.
Uses
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Caster sugar will dissolve more quickly in liquids than granulated sugar, and is therefore more suitable for baking lighter cakes and meringues. Other appropriate uses include sprinkling, or casting, on top of fruit or baked goods.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Windell Oskay Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Patty O'Hearn Kickham Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Goehring
