1.
rock sugar; rock candy
Large crystals of pure sugar, clear or white, used especially in making fruit liqueurs, preserved fruits, and traditional sweets. Dissolves slowly, making it ideal for infusions.
氷砂糖で梅酒を漬ける。
I make plum wine with rock sugar.
子どもの頃、氷砂糖をおやつに食べていた。
When I was a child, I used to eat rock sugar as a snack.
梅シロップを作るには、青梅と同量の氷砂糖が必要だ。
To make plum syrup, you need the same amount of rock sugar as green plums.
Composed of 氷 (ice) and 砂糖 (sugar). Named for its ice-like transparent crystal appearance. Essential in Japanese home cooking for making 梅酒 (plum wine) and 梅シロップ (plum syrup), which are popular summer preparations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 氷砂糖で漬ける: to preserve/infuse with rock sugar
- 氷砂糖を溶かす: to dissolve rock sugar
- 梅酒に氷砂糖: rock sugar for plum wine
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
In Japan, 氷砂糖 is most strongly associated with making 梅酒 and 梅シロップ at home in June, during the plum harvest season. It is preferred over regular sugar because it dissolves slowly, gradually drawing out the plum flavor without making the liquid overly sweet too quickly.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 上白糖: refined white sugar — the standard granulated sugar used in Japan
- グラニュー糖: granulated sugar — coarser crystals, common in baking
- 黒砂糖: brown sugar, muscovado — unrefined, with a deep molasses flavor