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

What Is Roasting? Roasting is all about caramelization. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024

Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy, thick-bottomed pan to allow even heating and cooking for perfect caramelization. —Shelli McConnell, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2024

The hefty, little Grade A slabs ($24 for two) are given a little citrus-mango treatment that enhances its richness without hiding a shred of flavor, the light sear providing a bit of caramelization while Brazil nuts offer that contrasting crunch. —Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above