Difference Between Corn Syrup And Golden Syrup
When it comes to cooking and baking, there are a lot of different ingredients out there that can be used to achieve different results. Two popular options are corn syrup and golden syrup. While these two ingredients might look similar and have similar names, they actually have quite a few differences that can impact how you use them in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the main differences between corn syrup and golden syrup so you can determine which one is right for your next culinary creation.
What Is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener that is typically made from cornstarch. It is a colorless and viscous liquid that has a very sweet taste. Corn syrup is often used in baking recipes, as well as in the production of soft drinks, candy, and other sweet treats.
One of the main benefits of using corn syrup in recipes is that it can help prevent sugar crystallization, which can be particularly helpful when making things like candy or caramel. Corn syrup also has a lower viscosity than some other sweeteners, which can make it easier to work with when mixing it into other ingredients.
What Is Golden Syrup?
Golden syrup is a sweet syrup that is made from sugar cane. It is a thick, amber-colored liquid that has a unique caramel-like flavor. Golden syrup is often used in British cooking and baking, and is a common ingredient in things like treacle tart and sticky toffee pudding.
One of the main benefits of using golden syrup in recipes is that it has a very distinct flavor that can add a lot of depth and complexity to recipes. It is also a very versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes, from sweet to savory.
Corn Syrup vs Golden Syrup: What Are the Main Differences?
While corn syrup and golden syrup might seem similar, there are actually quite a few differences between the two. Here are some of the main differences:
Ingredients
The main ingredient in corn syrup is cornstarch, while the main ingredient in golden syrup is sugar cane.
Color
Corn syrup is clear and colorless, while golden syrup is thick and amber-colored.
Flavor
Corn syrup is very sweet, but doesn’t have much of a flavor. Golden syrup, on the other hand, has a unique caramel-like flavor that can add a lot of depth to recipes.
Viscosity
Corn syrup has a lower viscosity than golden syrup, which means it is thinner and easier to work with when mixing into other ingredients.
Use in Recipes
Corn syrup is often used in baking recipes, as well as in the production of soft drinks, candy, and other sweet treats. Golden syrup is often used in British cooking and baking, and is a common ingredient in things like treacle tart and sticky toffee pudding.
Which One Should You Use?
Ultimately, whether you should use corn syrup or golden syrup will depend on the recipe you are making and the flavor and texture you are hoping to achieve. If you are making a recipe that requires a clear and colorless liquid sweetener, corn syrup is likely your best option. If you are making a recipe that could benefit from a unique caramel-like flavor, golden syrup might be the way to go.
That being said, there are some recipes where you might be able to use either ingredient, or even substitute one for the other. If you’re not sure which one to use, consider doing a taste test to see which one you prefer.
Conclusion
While corn syrup and golden syrup might seem similar at first glance, they have quite a few differences that can impact how you use them in the kitchen. Whether you’re making a sweet treat or a savory dish, being able to choose the right syrup can make a big difference in the final result.
