Problembeginnerdraft

Caramel turns grainy

Also searched as: sandy caramel, sugar crystallises, crumbly caramel, seized caramel

In short: A sugar crystal set off a chain reaction. The syrup turns to sand.

Picture it

Like a domino knocked over.

What happened in your kitchen?

Question 1

Did you stir while the sugar was boiling?

Stirred
Stirring sets crystals in motion and creates starting points.
Next time: Only swirl · Dissolve again with a little water and cook more carefully
Crystals on the side of the pan
An undissolved grain falls back in and starts crystallisation.
Next time: Wash down the sides with a wet brush · Put the lid on briefly so steam dissolves the crystals
No interfering sugar
Pure sugar crystallises more easily.
Next time: A spoonful of glucose syrup or a few drops of lemon juice

Related entries

Sources · 1