One chemical characteristic of sugars is especially important in the kitchen. Sugars
have a strong affinity for water, so they readily dissolve in water, and form temporary
but strong bonds to water molecules in their vicinity. Sugars therefore retain moisture in baked goods, keep frozen desserts from solidifying into a solid block of ice, form a sticky matrix that holds food particles together in such things as marzipan
and granola bars, maintain a moist, glossy appearance in glazes, and help preserve
fruits by drawing moisture out of spoilage microbes and preventing their growth.