Does caramelization refer strictly to sugar or the cooking of anything?
I constantly hear about caramelization, like in onions, which I believe have fairly high sugar content. However, I heard it in the context of beef today (Every Way to Cook a Hamburger (42 Methods) | Bon Appétit). Is the chef referring to the caramelization of sugar in the beef patty or the caramelization of something else? That is, does caramelization always refer to sugar?
Best Answer
Caramelization is defined as the pyrolysis of sugars. Pryolysis is decomposition due to high temperature. So, yes, caramelization is always an effect on the sugars present in an ingredient. The Maillard reaction, as pointed out in a comment above, also contributes to flavors and browning when cooking. However, the Maillard reaction specifically refers to the interaction between amino acids and reducing sugars. The two processes can happen together, but they are different processes. They are both forms of non-enzymatic browning.
Pictures about "Does caramelization refer strictly to sugar or the cooking of anything?"
Quick Answer about "Does caramelization refer strictly to sugar or the cooking of anything?"
Caramelization is defined as the pyrolysis of sugars. Pryolysis is decomposition due to high temperature. So, yes, caramelization is always an effect on the sugars present in an ingredient.What does Caramelisation mean in cooking?
: the process of heating sugar (such as granulated white sugar or the sugar contained in a food) at high temperature so that water is removed and the sugar is broken down (as into glucose and fructose) and then reformed into complex polymers producing a sweet, nutty, or buttery flavor and golden-brown to dark brown ...Is caramelization a cooking method?
Caramelization is a slow cooking process that occurs when sugar is cooked over low heat, causing a change in both appearance and flavor. Through a process called pyrolysis, during caramelization, the sugar in a food oxidizes, taking on a brown color and a rich, slightly sweet and nutty flavor.What caramelized means?
Definition of caramelize 1 transitive : to subject (sugar or the sugar content of a food) to caramelization : to change into caramel (see caramel sense 1) by heating at high temperature \u2026 flan bathed in caramelized sugar and topped with whipped cream \u2026\u2014What does caramelization do to sugar?
Caramelization is what happens to pure sugar when it reaches 338\xb0 F. A few tablespoons of sugar put in a pan and heated will eventually melt and, at 338\xb0 F, start to turn brown. At this temperature, the sugar compounds begin to break down and new compounds form.What happens when sugar caramelizes?
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pinaki Panda, Leigh Patrick, Annelies Brouw, JÉSHOOTS