Bulk Blackstrap Molasses
Have you ever encountered a recipe calling for blackstrap molasses? Most of those unaware of different types of molasses may assume any kind would work, but they would be wrong. The type of molasses depends on how refined it is, sometimes referred to as light, dark, and blackstrap. Both light and dark molasses are lighter, thinner, and sweeter options, so you will want to seek out actual blackstrap molasses when needed.
What is blackstrap molasses? This sweetener is likely to be an enigma to some. When you boil sugarcane three times, nutrients stay behind in the form of sugar crystals. The final refined result is a much darker, denser, and bitter sweetener. This leaves behind a product with unique uses and lesser-known health benefits.
What is Bulk Blackstrap Molasses Used For?
In some regions, farmers traditionally used blackstrap molasses in bulk for fertilizer and livestock feed. Molasses is commonly mixed with livestock food to create a sweeter, healthier option for the animals. Elsewhere, this variety of molasses can be found in industrial alcohol production. Sometimes molasses is made with beet sugar when specifically used for commercial or industrial needs.
Most recipes call for lighter variations of molasses, as blackstrap was originally seen as undesirable and nearly inedible. But with its own unique flavor and texture, blackstrap molasses has still found its way into many recipes suitable for its differences.
Just like regular molasses, blackstrap molasses is a sweetener used in cooking and baking. Many think of molasses when the weather gets cooler, but molasses has other uses outside of just baking gingerbread cookies each holiday season. The addition of blackstrap molasses can improve sauces, glazes, and baked bean recipes.
Now it is much more common to see some eating blackstrap molasses by the spoonful. Why? A big part of this is the health benefits from the additional minerals found in blackstrap molasses. The more recent push for healthy living boosted its popularity as a supplement.
What is the Difference Between Grandma's Molasses and Blackstrap Molasses?
Molasses is the syrupy leftover result of boiling pure sugarcane. Grandma's Molasses comes in two varieties, light and dark, with dark molasses being boiled twice to produce a richer and thicker product. Blackstrap molasses gets its even darker and denser profile from boiling three times.
Grandma's molasses, being much lighter, is a popular choice for baking, glazes, and as a topping for foods like cereals and yogurts. Blackstrap molasses is much more suitable for sauces or more robust recipes. Grandma's molasses is typically characterized by its amber color and unsulfured finished product. This means sulfur fumes were not used when harvesting sugarcane, leaving behind the purest possible result.
You should only use blackstrap molasses when specifically stated in the recipe, otherwise, you'll end up with a less sweet result than intended. Always check for blackstrap on the label, or ask your sugar supplier to ensure you're making the right purchase.
Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
In order for blackstrap molasses to be classified as such, it needs to be boiled three times. Because of the triple boiling process, blackstrap molasses is less than 50% sugar, and earns a handful of other benefits as well.
Those who are not intimidated by the bitter taste can use blackstrap molasses as a supplement, or simply a healthier substitution for regular cane sugar as a sweetener.
Unlike the nutritionally-absent refined cane sugar, blackstrap molasses contains:
- Antioxidants
- Iron
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Zinc
These vitamins and minerals are all known to serve as a natural way to help with conditions like:
- Anemia: One of the top reasons for the consumption of blackstrap molasses is the high presence of iron. This helps produce red blood cells to fight anemia.
- Joint Pain: Anti-inflammatory properties like those in copper help relieve and prevent arthritis by reducing swelling on joints.
- Skin and Hair: Vitamin B helps with healthy hair growth and lactic acid helps with the healing of any skin imperfections.
- Menstrual Pain: The presence of calcium, iron, and magnesium lightens painful period symptoms.
- Weak or Brittle Bones: The calcium also helps with strengthening the density of bones, helping prevent osteoporosis.
- Fatigue and Stress: Since molasses can help stabilize blood sugar levels, it can serve as a natural energy booster.
- Sleep: While molasses can be an energy booster, the properties of magnesium also help the body relax. Mixing blackstrap molasses with a glass of milk can promote a restful night of sleep.
- Digestion: Lower potassium levels can lead to constipation. Carbohydrates found in blackstrap molasses can also act as a source of fiber to stimulate digestion.
Some may get creative and combine blackstrap molasses with another sweetener, like syrups or honey, to help with the taste while still receiving the nutrient benefits of the molasses. There are endless possibilities and recipe options out there, so you can find a preferred way to get your daily dose!
As with any sugar or sweetener, you should take moderation into consideration, as the caloric intake is still the same. One tablespoon a day should earn you the benefits you need! Any more than that can lead to weight gain or other undesirable effects.
Where to Buy Bulk Blackstrap Molasses
No matter what type of molasses you're looking for, or what you need it for, Indiana Sugars is the best spot to buy your sugar supplies in bulk! Buying bulk blackstrap molasses can be the secret to success for any BBQ restaurant, or a health-conscious food joint. We work with all kinds of businesses to fulfill your sweetener needs with timely shipments from one of our locations across the country. With a century of family-run experience, there's no competition for higher quality products and higher quality service. Reach out to us today so we can get you started with the right products you need. Browse our catalog for more information.
