context: Sugar is used in sweetening as well as improving shelf life and texture. Jams and juices are preserved without mold and fermentation if their sugar content is high enough to prevent microorganisms from living there. The structure of ice cream and cakes is affected by the amount of sugar. Tomato-based pasta sauce and fish often have a little sugar added to emphasize the taste of other ingredients.
question: Why is sugar used so much in cooking?
answers.text: sweetening as well as improving shelf life and texture