Blackstrap molasses is a dark viscous syrup with a robust taste evocative of licorice. It is one of five main types of molasses, and the liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar. It is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
According to WHFoods blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is actually beneficial for health. While refined white sugar, saccharine and corn syrup contain few nutrients and can cause health problems in some individuals, blackstrap molasses contains a considerable amount many minerals that are required for optimum health.
Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of iron and provides more iron for less calories compared to red meat with no fat. It is a very good source of calcium, copper, manganese, potassium and magnesium. A simple switch from sweeteners like white sugar or corn syrup, aspartame or saccharin to blackstrap molasses is an easy way to add more nutrients to the diet. Some claim to have reversed the hair graying process with molasses, and this is possibly due to the high copper content.
History of Blackstrap Molasses
This type of molasses has been imported into the United States since the late 1500s. It was the most popular sweetener until the late 19th century. The Molasses Act of 1733 was a tariff passed by England to discourage trading with parts of the West Indies that were not under British rule. In 1919 a tragedy now dubbed the Great Molasses Flood took place when a molasses storage tank holding over two million gallons of molasses broke and poured through the streets of Boston, Masachusetts, creating a thirty foot tidal wave that killed twenty-one people. Blackstrap molasses later became popular in the mid-20th century with the health food movement and is still popular with many vegans.
Ways to Consume Blackstrap Molasses
Unsulphured blackstrap molasses are considered more healthful and results in a cleaner and less bitter taste. Molasses should be stored either in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place. A tablespoon of unsulphured blackstrap molasses can be mixed with a glass of warm water as a mineral tonic, though it is often easier to lick it directly off a spoon. Anyone who struggles with the strong flavour can try the following methods:
- Add to baked beans
- Sweeten cookies, biscuits and gingerbread cakes
- Add to smoothies, hot chocolate and decaffeinated coffee
- Mix into oatmeal
- Spread onto toast
- Add to sandwiches, masking flavour with tahini and salad.
If taking blackstrap molasses for iron it is best to avoid caffeine as it interferes with iron absorption. To increase the likelihood of absorption it may help to eat foods high in vitamin C at the same time. Blackstrap molasses is an easy way to add many minerals to the diet, and is particularly good for those requiring iron rich foods. This is also suitable as a health supplement for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.
Read Vegan Blackstrap Molasses Recipes for more information.
Sources:
WHFoods.com Blackstrap Molasses (Accessed August 17, 2010).
NaturalNews.com What You Should Know About Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses (Accessed August 17, 2010).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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