What is caramel?
Q: What is caramel?
A: Caramel is a beige to dark-brown sweet food made by heating sugars.
Q: What are some uses for caramel?
A: Caramel can be used to add flavour to puddings and desserts, as a filling in bonbons, and as a topping for ice cream, custard and coffee.
Q: At what temperature does simple sugar start to melt?
A: Simple sugar starts to melt at about 135°C (270°F).
Q: What happens when sugar is heated beyond this temperature?
A: When sugar is heated beyond this temperature, the molecules break down and turn into compounds with the colour and flavour of caramel - this process is called caramelisation.
Q: What types of candies and desserts are made with caramel?
A: Some examples of candies and desserts made with caramel include caramel apples, pralines, nougats, brittles, crème caramel, and crème brûlée.
Q: Is there any other way that caramel can be used besides in sweets?
A: Yes - aside from being used in sweets like candy or dessert dishes, it can also be used as a topping for ice cream or coffee.
