What are Blackstrap Molasses?

Blackstrap molasses refers to the liquid that remains as a by-product of sugar production. It
is a black and sometimes dark brown liquid with a thick, sticky texture. Although it is usually used to
make ethanol, cooks use it to sweeten foods and get a dose of nutrients at the same time.

What are Blackstrap Molasses Made of?

To make sugar, juice is extracted from sugar cane. This juice has to be boiled a few times to
attain usable sugar. In the processing of boiling, blackstrap molasses form and can be poured into
containers for storage. It might sound like a complicated procedure, but it can actually be done at
home.

Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses

Most people assume that blackstrap molasses must be very sweet. This is an understandable misconception. Although molasses do contain sugar, it is less than you think. Blackstrap
molasses lose most of the sugar during boiling process and the end result is tasty and nutritious.

Blackstrap molasses have several minerals worth mentioning. They contain iron, selenium and potassium. These minerals have been proven to energy, muscle and thyroid function. Other
nutrients in molasses are magnesium, calcium and manganese. There are also traces of B vitamins disease immunity and when combined with sugar can release quick energy to keep you
alert.

What are Blackstrap Molasses Used for?

Many cooks like incorporating blackstrap molasses in their baking. They help bring flavor to baked treats and are also used as natural sweeteners for hot beverages. In industrial circles, they
are used to make health supplements for people suffering from bone, muscle, thyroid and heart disease.

How to Make Blackstrap Molasses at Home

If you are new to blackstrap molasses, it is best to purchase them from a store. However, you can try your hand at making them at home too. You will need:

 Several sugar cane stalks or sorghum

 A functional mill
 Cheese cloth or straine
 A large pot
Step 1:
Cut the stalks of sugar cane and pull out the seeds. Sugar cane stalks should be cut 5-6 inches from the ground.

Step 2:

Once seeds are removed, place the stalks against a kitchen rack and leave to sit for 7 days.

Step 3:

Extract juice from sugar cane stalks by putting them through the mill. Run the juice through a strainer or cheese cloth.

Step 4:

Pour the sugar cane juice into a pot and bring to a low boil over low heat. Boil the juice for 5-6 hours.

Step 5:

After boiling for several hours, a green film should start appearing at the top and the mixture should be yellow and viscous.

Step 6:

Remove the green substance and remove from heat to cool. Repeat the slow boiling process again two more times, boiling the molasses until the green film appears. Scoop it out before
returning the pot to heat.

Step 7:

After the third cycle of boiling, you should have dark-colored blackstrap molasses. Pour into a heat-resistant container and store for later use.

Blackstrap molasses are richly-textured substances that are used in everything from medications to baking. Look for recipes that call for blackstrap molasses to enrich your diet with its
nutrients.

lackstrap molasses contains vital vitamins and minerals, such as:

  iron
 calcium
 magnesium
 vitamin B6
 selenium

Blackstrap molasses is touted as a superfood. While it’s no miracle cure, it’s a rich source of several minerals.

1. Bone booster

Everyone knows that calcium is needed for strong bones, but not everyone knows the importance that magnesium plays in growing them.

Blackstrap molasses contains both calcium and magnesium, so it can help you guard against osteoporosis. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 8 percent of the daily value
for calcium and 10 percent for magnesium.

Adequate levels of magnesium are also crucial in preventing diseases like osteoporosis and asthma along with others that can affect your blood and heart.

2. Good for the blood

People with anemia — a condition where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells — often feel tired and weak. One type of anemia is caused by a lack of iron in the diet.

Blackstrap molasses is a good source of iron. About 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 20 percent of the daily value for iron.

3. Packed with potassium

Bananas may be king when it comes to potassium, but blackstrap molasses is also packed with it as well. In fact, one tablespoon of some blackstrap molasses brands can have as much
potassium as half a banana, which is about 300 milligrams per tablespoon.
Potassium is touted as a good way to ease muscle cramps after workouts. However, there’s another muscle that might benefit from the mineral: the heart. In people with  hypertension, In
people with hypertension, taking a potassium supplement may help lower blood pressure.

What’s more, eating a potassium-rich diet might help lower the risk of stroke. The mineral may also prevent or manage fluid retention.

4. Hair de-frizzer

Along with providing your body with important minerals, blackstrap molasses has been used to remove the frizziness in bleached, permed, or colored hair.

While pouring the sticky syrup directly into your hair is a pretty bad idea, it can be mixed with warm water and applied to the hair for 15 minutes. It can also be combined with other hair-
healthy ingredients like your daily shampoo or coconut milk.