Sugarcane

Saccharum officinarum

AKA: sugar cane
Family: Poaceae

Perennial

minimally refined raw cane sugar. Large, medium-brown crystals, often mistaken for standard brown sugar. Has a delicate caramel flavour. Used to sweeten beverages or for baking.

AKA: khandsari and khand

a type of partially refined to unrefined sugar with a strong molasses content and flavour

produced solely from sugarcane and minimally processed. Slightly larger grain, darker colour, and higher price tag. Can be used the same way as granulated sugar

a variety of raw cane sugar that is minimally refined. Large grains with an amber colour and subtle molasses flavour. Used to sweeten coffee or tea, or as a topping.

Sugars made from either
Sugarcane or Sugarbeet

AKA: table sugar, white sugar or regular sugar

made either of beet sugar or cane sugar, a highly refined, multi-purpose sugar

AKA: powdered sugar, confectioner’s sugar

a type of white sugar that has been ground into a fine powder. Often with a small amount of corn-starch to prevent clumping. Dissolves easily in liquid. Ideal for icing, frosting and decoration.

AKA: square sugar, lump square sugar

a refined sugar which has been pressed or cast into a particular shape.

Sanding sugar is used mainly for decorating. Large crystals, fairly resistant to heat, adds extra texture. You can find sanding sugar in many colours.

Golden syrup (or light treacle) is a form of inverted sugar syrup. It is made by the process of refining sugar cane or sugar beet juice into sugar, or by treatment of a sugar solution with acid. The consistency is similar to honey, and can be used as a substitute for honey.

More on syrup and molasses here.

a superfine granulated white sugar, dissolve much quicker than standard granulated white sugar. Ideal for making meringues, syrups, and cocktails.

AKA: nib sugar or hail sugar

a coarse, hard texture with an opaque colour. Doesn’t melt when exposed to high temperatures. Commonly used in Scandinavian baking to decorate pastries, cookies, and buns.

AKA: sugar candy, rock sugar or crystal sugar

large sugar crystals. Eaten as candy or to dissolve in tea. Can be different colours.

refined white sugar with a small amount of molasses added. A wet, sandy texture and a delicate caramel flavour. Used for baked goods and savoury dishes.