What is the primary function of orange juice in a glazed carrot recipe?
Answer
It prevents the sugars from seizing up while providing necessary liquid and brightening the overall taste.
Orange juice is considered the most common and effective acidic element in the glaze. Its citric acid content is crucial because it actively works to prevent the sugars present in the glaze (like brown sugar or honey) from crystallizing or seizing up during heating. Additionally, the acidity cuts through the richness of the fat (butter) and the sweetness of the sweetener, balancing the flavor profile and making the sweetness more pronounced or 'pop.' It also supplies some of the liquid required for the reduction process.
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How to Make Martha Stewart's Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots - YouTube
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