Sugar cube
Sugar cubes are white sugar granules pressed into small cubes. It is usually used by individuals to sweeten drinks. There are two main ways of using the sugar cubes: directly dissolving the cubes in the drink or placing the cube into the mouth while drinking. Size and packaging The typical size for each cube is between and , corresponding to the weight of approximately 3–5 grams. However, the cube sizes and shapes vary greatly, for example, playing card suits-shaped pieces are produced under the name "bridge cube sugar". The typical retail packaging weight is 0.5 kilogram (1 pound) or 1 kilogram / 2 pounds. In 1923 German wholesaler Karl Hellmann started packaging pair of cubes into individual wrappings with advertisements or collectible pictures on the sleeves. Originally very popular in cafés, they were quickly replaced in the beginning of the 21st century by granulated sugar in packets and sticks. Manufacturing When making the cubes, the granulated sugar is slightly (2–3%) moistened, placed into a mold and heated so that the moisture can escape. The firmness, density, and speed of dissolution of the cube are controlled via the crystal size of the granulated sugar, amount of water/steam added, molding pressure, and