What is Caramelization?
[[File:Traditional Creme Brulee.jpg|thumb|[[Crème brûlée]] is one example of sugar being caramelized.]] '''Caramelization''' is a process when [[Sugar|sugars]] go brown when heated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Caramelization: new science, new possibilities|url=https://www.curiouscook.com/site/2012/09/caramelization-new-science-new-possibilities.html|access-date=2021-05-13|website=Curious Cook}}</ref> It also gives sugar a more nutty [[taste]]. Caramelans (C<sub>24</sub>H<sub>36</sub>O<sub>18</sub>), caramelens (C<sub>36</sub>H<sub>50</sub>O<sub>25</sub>), and caramelins (C<sub>125</sub>H<sub>188</sub>O<sub>80</sub>) are responsible for the brown color. ==Uses in food== Caramelization is used to in several foods: * [[Caramel sauce]], a sauce made with caramel * ''[[Confiture de lait]]'' and ''[[Dulce de leche]]'', caramelized, sweetened milk * [[Caramel]] candies * [[Creme Caramel]], and the similar [[Crème Brûlée]], a [[custard]] dish topped with sugar caramelized with a blowtorch * Caramelized onions, which are used in dishes like [[French onion soup]]. Onions require 30 to 45 minutes of cooking to caramelize.<ref>Scocca, Tom. [http://www.slate.com/articles/life/scocca/2012/05/how_to_cook_onions_why_recipe_writers_lie_and_lie_about_how_long_they_take_to_caramelize_.single.html Layers of Deceit: Why do recipe writers lie and lie and lie about how long it takes to caramelize onions?] [[Slate.com]], May 2, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Child, Julia|title=French Onion Soup|url=https://www.smith.edu/diningservices/recipes/onion-soup.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502213016/http://www.smith.edu/diningservices/recipes/onion-soup.php|archive-date=2012-05-02|access-date=2017-03-08}}</ref> * Caramelized potatoes * Caramelized pears<ref>{{Cite news|last=Farley|first=Jennifer|date=2016-10-10|title=Caramelizing Pears|language=en-US|newspaper=Stemilt|url=https://www.stemilt.com/stem-blog/caramelizing-pears-tips/|access-date=2016-10-27}}</ref> * [[Cola]], of which some brands use caramelized s