caramelise
Definition
Verb (transitive):
- To convert sugar or a sugar-containing substance into caramel through the application of heat. This process involves heating until the sugar melts and turns a characteristic brown color, developing a rich, nutty flavor.
Verb (intransitive):
- (Of sugar or a sugar-containing substance) To become converted into caramel through heating. This describes the process happening to the substance itself.
Usage Examples
Verb (transitive):
- To make the sauce, you need to caramelise the sugar in the pan first.
- The chef caramelised the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
Verb (intransitive):
- Be careful not to let the sugar caramelise too quickly, or it might burn.
- The apples will start to caramelise after about ten minutes in the hot butter.
Advanced Usage
- Culinary Science Context: The term describes the non-enzymatic browning reaction (caramelization) that occurs when sugars are heated to around 170°C (340°F). It is distinct from the Maillard reaction, which involves amino acids.
- As the temperature rises, the sucrose molecules begin to break down and caramelise, creating complex flavor compounds.
Variants and Related Words
Caramelization (noun): The process or result of caramelising.
- The caramelization of the sugar gives the crème brûlée its signature topping.
Caramel (noun): The sweet, brown substance produced by caramelising sugar.
- She drizzled caramel over the ice cream.
Synonyms
- Brown (verb): To cook until brown, though this is a more general term.
- Candy (verb): To cook in sugar or syrup, which can include caramelisation.
Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions
(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. The action is typically described directly.)
Related Idioms
(There are no common idioms specifically using the word "caramelise.")
Verb
- convert to caramel
- be converted into caramel
- The sugar caramelized
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