Definition of caramelize

The word "caramelize" has its origins in the late 17th century, derived from the Latin word "carum" which means "poppy". This is because the process of cooking sugar to create a rich, brown color and caramel-like flavor was originally achieved by cooking sugar with poppy seeds. The term "caramel" was first used to describe this process, and later the verb "caramelize" emerged to describe the act of cooking sugar in this way. Over time, the term has expanded to include the cooking of other foods, such as onions and meats, to create a caramelized crust or flavor. Today, "caramelize" is widely used in cooking and baking to describe the process of creating this sweet, savory, and tantalizing flavor.