Our Best Blackstrap Molasses Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best use of blackstrap molasses? ›

Blackstrap is best used when you want a deep and robust flavour in stews, marinades, baked beans , BBQ sauces and much more. In these recipes, you can substitute blackstrap molasses for fancy molasses using a 1-to-1 ratio. Adjust to your taste preferences and don't hesitate to experiment by adding more if desired.

You wouldn't use blackstrap molasses in recipes for gingerbread because the taste is too intense. It would overwhelm the other flavors. There is no difference between sugar cane grown in mid Missouri and sugar cane grown in southern Mississippi.

But the sticky ingredient, a byproduct of the sugar-refining process, has complex notes of acidity, bitterness and sweetness that pair well with brown spirits, baking spices and autumnal fruits such as pomegranate, apple and pear.

To treat anemia with blackstrap molasses, you can consume it by mixing one to two tablespoons with warm water or milk daily. Alternatively, incorporate it into recipes such as smoothies, baked goods, or drizzled over oatmeal or yogurt to increase iron intake and improve blood health.

Blackstrap molasses has a lead warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because the processing of molasses infrequently involves using a direct flame with coals that may contain a high amount of the caustic substance potash. The soil in which the sugar cane grows may also contain lead.

And, yes, it may even turn premature grey hair back to its original color. Most folks who use blackstrap molasses for an ailment (or to remove greys) usually either take it by mouth, dissolve it in water or milk, or drizzle over oatmeal.

Blackstrap molasses is touted as an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint pain. Blood sugar stabilizer. Proponents claim that blackstrap molasses doesn't spike your blood sugar because it has a low glycemic index (GI), while others assert that it helps lower the GI of high carb foods.

It's the number of times the juice is boiled that makes all the difference. Light or regular molasses is produced after the second boiling. Blackstrap molasses is what comes from a third boiling, and it's very bitter. You'll usually see it used in baked beans or barbecue sauce.

A single tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 10% of the calcium you need each day. Adults with higher levels of calcium tend to have better bone density and are less likely to develop osteoporosis. It can help your digestion.

These storage tips apply to all types of commercially available molasses: light, dark, and blackstrap, both sulfured and un-sulfured varieties. While it's not required, you can also store molasses in the refrigerator; refrigeration keeps the temperature consistent, a benefit for molasses especially in warm climates.

Is grandma's unsulphured molasses the same as blackstrap? ›

Unsulphured molasses can be light, dark or blackstrap, as long as it hasn't been treated with sulphur dioxide. Most commercially produced molasses is unsulphured.

Some people (including myself, when I first learned of the power of blackstrap several years ago), simply take it by the tablespoon-full. I remember the first time I tasted the sticky black stuff. I thought it tasted like licorice. It wasn't horrible, but it definitely took some getting used to!

Molasses is best kept at room temperature between 10°C to 21°C (50 – 70°F). The shelf life of molasses is generally 18 months when kept below 21°C and under reasonably steady conditions of temperature and humidity. Refrigeration or freezing may crystallize the natural sugars and therefore is not recommended.

You can even add blackstrap molasses to coffee — it intensifies the richness of the coffee while lowering the acidic taste and enhancing coffee's nutrition value.