caster sugar
Noun: 1. A type of very finely granulated white sugar: Caster sugar is characterized by its extremely small, fine crystals. Its name originates from the fact that it was traditionally sprinkled from a container called a "castor" or "caster."
Caster sugar is primarily used in baking and dessert making. Its fine texture allows it to dissolve quickly and easily, which is essential for creating smooth mixtures. * It is a key ingredient in meringues, soufflés, and sponge cakes where a smooth, airy texture is desired. * It is often used for sweetening whipped cream or fruit. * It is the preferred sugar for many cookie (biscuit) recipes as it creams efficiently with butter.
- "For the perfect meringue, you must use caster sugar."
- "The recipe calls for 100 grams of caster sugar to be beaten with the eggs."
- "She sprinkled a little caster sugar over the fresh strawberries."
- Superfine Sugar: In some regions, particularly North America, caster sugar is commonly labeled and sold as "superfine sugar." They are functionally identical.
- Baking Specificity: Professional bakers often specify caster sugar over regular granulated sugar for delicate cakes and desserts to ensure a finer crumb and prevent a gritty texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar with larger crystals than caster sugar.
- Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar / Confectioners' Sugar: Sugar that has been ground into a fine powder and often mixed with a small amount of anti-caking agent (like cornstarch). It is much finer than caster sugar.
- Demerara Sugar: A type of raw cane sugar with large, golden crystals and a slight molasses flavor.
- Superfine Sugar (US)
- Castor Sugar (alternative spelling)
- Fine Granulated Sugar
The term "caster sugar" refers specifically to this one type of sugar. It does not have other unrelated meanings. The key distinction is its granule size, which sits between standard granulated sugar and powdered (icing) sugar.
- very finely granulated sugar that was formerly sprinkled from a castor