caramelization

noun

car·​a·​mel·​i·​za·​tion ˌkär-mə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌker-ə-mə-,

ˌka-rə-mə-

: the process of heating sugar (such as granulated white sugar or the sugar contained in a food) at high temperature so that water is removed and the sugar is broken down (as into glucose and fructose) and then reformed into complex polymers producing a sweet, nutty, or buttery flavor and golden-brown to dark brown color : the nonenzymatic process of changing sugar or the sugar content of a food into caramel (see caramel sense 1)

An intense caramelization of the carrots concentrates their flavor and brings up their sweetness until they're almost like candy-but the roasted garlic and thyme keep the dish on the savory side.

—April Bloomfield

Examples of caramelization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Seared on the flattop, sweet caramelization on the Korean take marries with the slaw’s entry-level kimchi flavors, welcoming the essence of pickles and fermentation and funk to the party. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024

After 8 minutes of baking, the cookies will be puffed up and appear almost doughy in the center with hints of light brown caramelization in a few spots. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024

Rotate the baking sheet every minute to ensure even caramelization. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2023

The salt gets them to sweat, the sugar encourages caramelization and the onion powder amps up their oniony flavor. —Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above