Syrups

Syrups are concentrated sugar solutions that retain some or all of the flavor compounds, acids, and minerals from their source — unlike refined table sugar, which is pure sucrose. Each syrup has a distinctive chemical profile that determines its sweetness, viscosity, color, browning behavior, and crystallization tendency. Corn syrup dominates industrial confectionery because its long glucose chains physically prevent crystallization; maple syrup is prized for complex browning flavors; molasses carries the deepest mineral and caramel character.