Sugar

Granulated sugar is made from sugar cane or beet. The sugar is processed and the clumps are allowed to dry so they do not stick together. It is the most common form of sugar and is suitable for baking and general use. Do not use it for meringues, though, as they will end up pitted. If a recipe does not specify a type of sugar, use this.

Caster/superfine sugar is a very fine sugar. So-called because the fine grains would fit through a ‘caster’, an old-fashioned word for a shaker. Because the grains are small they dissolve more evenly/easily so caster is great for meringues or cakes. Golden caster sugar is a less refined version.