Honey and syrups granulated sugar from concentrated fruit juice were the earliest known sweeteners. There are several different types of sugar that add a range of textures, tints and flavours to cooking.

These broadly fall into two categories, brown and white sugars. Learn more with our guide, sugar explained. Try adding a pinch of sugar to tomato sauces to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Melt in a dry frying pan into an amber caramel before drizzling or cooling, or add a pinch to salad dressings to balance acidity.