Is it possible to make caramel that does not taste sweet?

Since sugar turns into caramel when heated, caramel is not sugar. I suppose then, that caramel still tastes sweet because of the uncaramelized sugar mixed in the caramel. Is it practically and/or theoretically possible to remove the sugar from the caramel, so that it won't have a sense of sweetness anymore? How would that taste?

sugar caramel

Best Answer

It is very simple, you just have to heat it long enough. It can even happen by accident :)

The taste is a mixture of bitter and sour, while the smell component is mostly towards something burnt.

Also, your assumption "because of the uncaramelized sugar mixed in the caramel" is incorrect, or at least incomplete. There usually is such sugar, but many of the caramelization products of the early stages of caramelization also taste sweet on their own. In later stages, you get more and more nonsweet stuff until you get into the state I described (barely liquid charcoal).

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Can you make caramel less sweet?

Since corn syrups and Agave syrups are also considered sweeteners, I'll simply try adding some lemon juice instead. This should invert the sugars in the caramel enough to stop the crystallization process and since it isn't sweet it should lower the sweetness a bit.

Why does caramel not taste like sugar?

As the temperature continues to climb with more cooking, even more sugar molecules break down and the caramel will begin to taste markedly more complex and less sweet. Eventually more and more bitter, potent-tasting molecules will form that, if left unchecked, can make the caramel taste acrid and burnt.

How do you make caramel without sugar?

Often, a split caramel can be saved by gently reheating the caramel and stirring continuously. Adding some extra water can also help here to mix everything again before boiling off that extra water one more time. Last but not least, do not heat or cool down the caramel too rapidly.

How to Make Caramel (Troubleshooting Guide)

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