What You Need to Know
During heating, sucrose undergoes caramelization, forming a complex mixture of flavor and color compounds such as 5‑hydroxymethylfurfural and melanoidins. The Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids further develops the brown color and caramel notes. As water evaporates, the solution thickens and eventually crystallizes into a firm, sweet mass with a characteristic acidic tang.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Sucrose caramelization and Maillard reaction leading to melanoidins