Definition & Meaning of "brown sugar"

What is "brown sugar"?

Brown sugar is a sweetener similar to white sugar, but with a slightly different flavor and appearance due to the presence of molasses. It is typically made by mixing white sugar with molasses syrup, which gives it a moist texture and a caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar is commonly used in baking, cooking, and dessert recipes to add depth and richness to dishes. It is also popular for making sauces, glazes, and marinades, as well as for sweetening beverages and oatmeal. Brown sugar comes in light and dark varieties, with dark brown sugar containing a higher concentration of molasses and thus having a stronger flavor. While brown sugar provides a similar sweetness to white sugar, its molasses content also contributes some minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and iron, though the amounts are relatively small.