Molasses is a thick, syrup-like juice made by processing sugar cane. The degree and type of this depends on the maturity of the sugar cane used and the production method used.
Types of molasses
Molasses is commercially available in three types (light, dark and black), which result from the conversion of certain foods into sugar. Its nutritional content and quality depend on the method used for its production, the maturity of the plant and the amount of sugar extracted.
More specifically, its types are:
- Blackstrap Molasses (or finished molasses): obtained from raw cane sugar and canned sugar
- Molasses from sugar cane: It is a by-product of the refined sugar from sugar cane juice and beet molasses
- Sulfur: This refers to molasses extracted from young sugar cane and treated with sulphur dioxide for preservation
- Unabsorbed (or unbroken molasses): extracted from the mature sugar cane, it does not require the addition of sulphur for its preservation and retains its rich and light taste
- Hydrol (or Hydrool): This type of molasses is obtained from the hydrolysis of starch
- Other types of molasses: Include pomegranate molasses, which are nutritious and made from pomegranate
What does it taste like?
Light molasses has a sweet and mild taste, while dark molasses is richer and fuller tasting, almost like saccharin, which is why it is used in desserts.
How much and how to consume it?
The daily recommended dosage of molasses is up to two teaspoons per day.
It is ideal as an addition to tomato sauces, recipes with minced meat, legumes, fruit-based desserts, and jams. Moreover, it can be used in combination with yoghurt, ice cream, juices, coffee or tea and generally in cooking or pastry recipes that require the addition of sweeteners.
Molasses is a good source of carbohydrates, so it provides our body with immediate energy and has a very low fat content.
It contains minerals and trace elements, such as:
- calcium
- potassium
- magnesium
- manganese
- potassium
- copper
- iron
- phosphorus
- Chromium
- cobalt
- sodium
It also contains mainly B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6, thiamine and riboflavin). The consumption of molasses as part of a balanced diet contributes positively to the treatment of people suffering from iron deficiency anaemia, low iron or ferritin levels. It helps to reduce the symptoms that women have during the menstrual period, menopause. It shields the body with total polyphenols and powerful antioxidants.
In addition, it contributes to the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but also to the treatment of constipation. It moisturizes and helps in healthy bone growth and the maintenance of bone density in adults. Finally, it contributes to skin health and helps in healing skin lesions.
