"Burnt Sugar"

"Burnt sugar" refers to sugar that has been heated to the point of caramelization until it reaches a dark, slightly bitter flavor. In cooking, it’s often intentionally achieved to add depth and complexity to sauces, desserts, or flavoring agents, such as in caramel or certain syrups. However, it can also occur unintentionally if sugar is overheated beyond the desired point, resulting in a burnt taste and aroma. Proper control of temperature and timing is essential to produce rich, dark caramel without crossing into bitterness. Burnt sugar’s unique flavor is valued for its depth and complexity in culinary applications.