Invert sugar
Invert sugar is a type of sugar that has been chemically processed to split its sucrose molecules into glucose and fructose. This process, known as inversion, results in a sugar that is sweeter than regular table sugar and has different physical and chemical properties. Invert sugar is commonly used in baking and confectionery due to its ability to retain moisture and prevent crystallization.
History[edit | edit source]
The process of inverting sugar was first discovered in the 19th century. It was initially used in the brewing industry, but quickly found applications in other areas of food production.
Production[edit | edit source]
Invert sugar is produced by adding a small amount of acid to a sucrose solution and heating it. The acid, usually citric acid or tartaric acid, catalyzes the inversion process. The resulting solution is then neutralized with an alkali to remove the acid.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Invert sugar is sweeter than regular sugar due to the presence of fructose, which is sweeter than both glucose and sucrose. It also has a lower freezing point and a higher boiling point than sucrose, making it useful in certain cooking applications.
Invert sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This makes it useful in baking, as it can help to keep baked goods moist and extend their shelf life. It also prevents crystallization, which can be beneficial in the production of smooth, creamy confections like fudge and caramel.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Invert sugar is used in a variety of food applications. It is commonly used in baking, confectionery, and ice cream production. It is also used in the brewing industry, as it is easily fermentable and can contribute to the alcohol content of beer.
Health effects[edit | edit source]
Like all sugars, invert sugar contributes to calorie intake and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, it is no more harmful than other types of sugar when consumed in moderation.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Invert sugar Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
