Maltose, also known as malt sugar or mai ya tang, is an invert sugar produced from germinating grains such as rice, corn, or wheat. It is a very thick syrup that is used in traditional Chinese cooking to add gloss, texture, and flavor to foods. It is most famously used in a glaze to give char siu its characteristically shiny look. Maltose can be used to improve the shelf life of baked goods since it prevents the crystallization of other sugars.