Can you make glucose syrup from ordinary sugar?

You can make glucose syrup from ordinary sugar, but it's not a simple process and requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Here's a breakdown of the process:

What you need:

* Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the most common starting material.

* Water: Water is needed to dissolve the sugar and act as the solvent.

* Acid: A weak acid like citric acid is used to help hydrolyze the sucrose into glucose and fructose.

* Heat: High heat is needed to dissolve the sugar and carry out the hydrolysis reaction.

* Equipment:

* A large pot or kettle.

* A thermometer.

* A candy thermometer.

* A stirring device.

* A pH meter (optional, but recommended for accurate results).

The Process:

1. Dissolving: Dissolve sugar in water. The ratio of sugar to water will depend on the desired consistency of your syrup.

2. Heating and Hydrolyzing: Heat the sugar solution to boiling. Add the acid and continue heating. The acid helps break down the sucrose into glucose and fructose.

3. Monitoring and Adjusting: Monitor the temperature and pH of the solution using a thermometer and pH meter. The pH will change as the hydrolysis process progresses. You may need to add more acid or water to adjust the pH and consistency.

4. Cooling and Neutralization: Once the desired level of hydrolysis is reached, cool the syrup. You can neutralize the acid with a base, like baking soda, to make the syrup safe for consumption.

5. Filtering: Filter the syrup to remove any impurities.

Important Considerations:

* Safety: The process involves high temperatures and strong acids. Use proper safety precautions.

* Equipment: You will need specialized equipment like a candy thermometer and a pH meter for accurate measurements.

* Technical Expertise: Glucose syrup production requires knowledge of chemical reactions and food safety.

Alternatives:

* Buying Glucose Syrup: Glucose syrup is commercially available.

* Using Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is a common substitute for glucose syrup, and it's readily available in most supermarkets.

In conclusion: While making glucose syrup from ordinary sugar is possible, it's a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It's often easier and safer to purchase glucose syrup or use a substitute like corn syrup.