Caster Sugar

Caster (or castor) sugar is a granulated sugar that is produced with very fine-textured grains (0.35 mm). Its fine texture allows it to dissolve quickly and easily, making it ideal for making cakes, custards, mousses and meringues, and for any recipe that requires the sugar to dissolve before the mixture starts cooking. Its name comes from the fact that it may be placed in a caster - a bottle or jar with a perforated top, similar to a flour dredger. It is certainly perfect for sprinkling over food - especially fruit, cereals, porridge or puddings.

Caster sugar may also be used to make flavoured sugar, for example by placing one or two vanilla pods or cinnamon sticks into a large storage jar of sugar and leaving for at least two weeks. This flavoured sugar is excellent on pancakes or in coffee and other drinks. More unusual is rosemary sugar, which is made in the same way, using clean and dry sprigs of rosemary, and then used to make milk puddings.

Caster sugar may be kept in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, it should be stored in an airtight contain to prevent it from becoming damp or hard.