*It is sweet, amber colored, and thick and syrupy in consistency.

*There are three grades of molasses –

(1) Mild – Also called first molasses. It is light amber colored, very sweet, as not much sugar is removed.

(2) Dark – Also called second molasses. It is dark amber colored, sweet with a slightly bitter streak to it.

(3) Black strap – This is the left over liquid after most of the sugar has been extracted. It is dark colored, has a bittersweet taste, and a good amount minerals in it.

*The quality of molasses depends on the maturity of the sugar cane, the amount of sugar extracted, and the method of extraction.

*Molasses can be replaced in baking one cup for one cup of granulated sugar, honey and maple syrup.

*Molasses is produced by first extracting sugarcane juice from the canes by crushing or mashing. This juice is then boiled to evaporate and concentrate the juice when sugar is crystallized. The liquid left over after this sugar is removed is called the first molasses. This first molasses is further boiled to crystallize more sugar, the liquid left over after extracting the sugar for the second time is called the second molasses. The second molasses is further boiled to crystallize more sugar, and the liquid left over after extracting the sugar for the third time is called the black strap molasses

*Molasses can be sulphured or unsulphured. Green stems are sulphured for preservation purposes during sugar extraction. Mature stems are not sulphured. Unsulphured molasses is the best quality.

*Buying and storage: Buy pure, good quality, barley malt syrup and store in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry, dark place in the cup board at room temperature before opening. Once opened, refrigerate it in an airtight container and use it quickly. It is stable, has a good shelf life and keeps well for up to a year at room temperature.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, unsulphured molasses is raw. Black strap molasses is less sweet and has the highest amount of minerals and vitamins.
*No, because sometimes immature sugarcanes are treated with sulphur for preservation purposes. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Molasses has about 70% sucrose, 10% glucose, and 10% fructose.

2. It may cause sudden spike of blood sugar levels, so diabetics have to be cautious and use this in moderation.

3. Unlike many refined sugars, molasses has good amount of minerals and a trace amounts of vitamins.

4. Excellent source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.

5. Good source of potassium; this along with low amounts of sodium helps to maintain blood pressure and reduces water retention.

6. Moderate source of iron that in respiration at the cellular level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.

7. Moderate source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.

8. Very good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy and antioxidants defenses.

9. Good source of selenium. It acts as an antioxidant and scavenges free radicals from the body.

10. Moderate sources of other minerals like calcium, phosphorus and zinc which are essential to maintain the metabolic activities of the body.