Sweet Japan
Part I: Sweeteners
Word definitions
refined (adj.): without impurities or other elements in it; elegant and cultured
confections (n.): sweets, usually fancy ones
dramatically (adv.): greatly; by a large amount
sugar beet (n.): a plant with an off-white root typically used to make sugar
commercially available (adj.): commonly sold at shops, supermarkets, etc.
simmer (v.): slowly and gently cook in a liquid
braise (v.): pot-roast and then simmer food until soft (usually meat)
nutritious (adj.): rich in vitamins, minerals, calcium, etc.
molasses (n.): a by-product of making brown sugar (mostly used in baking)
thin (for liquids) (adj.): flowing easily (like water; opposite of thick liquids)
savoury (adj.): non-sweet; with a salty flavour
glossiness (n.): shininess
overconsumption (n.): eating/drinking/buying too much of something
sugarcoat [something] (idiom): say something in a way that is more positive than it really is