Maltose

A crystalline, water-soluble sugar that is formed from germinated barley as it ferments during the brewing and distilling process, prior to being made into alcohol. Also called malt sugar or yitang, maltose is mainly used as a nutrient or sweetener and can be found in organic or specialty food stores. Common in Asian cooking, maltose is used in making food dishes such as Peking Roast Duck for which the malt sugar is used to baste the outer skin of the duck prior to cooking, creating a sweet, browned and crispy coating that keeps the meat moist as it cooks.