What is molasses and how it is used in cooking

Surely every mistress in her life at leastonce faced with such a word as "molasses". But that's just not everyone knows what this strange product looks like. After all, we do not eat it in its pure form, and also hardly notice on

store shelves. So what is molasses actually and where is it used?

This substance is the resultpartial acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of starch in combination with sugar. As a rule, for the production of molasses using potatoes or corn. It is from these vegetables and get the main ingredient - starch. The taste of molasses is much sweeter than the sugar itself. Yes, and the caloric content of this product is very impressive - in 100 grams as much as 316 kcal. Buy molasses is not so easy. It is usually not sold in standard grocery supermarkets. However, molasses is often sold by companies associated with the manufacture of bakery products.

What is molasses in reality?Externally, it looks like a viscous and thick syrup of a dark color, although the shade may be different. It all depends on what ingredients were used to prepare this kind of molasses.

The main advantage of this product is cost effectiveness. Instead of a kilogram of sugar, you will need only 750 g of molasses. By consistency, it resembles a young honey.

If you are interested in the question of what ismolasses, it is probably necessary to mention the areas in which it is applied. For example, this product is very widely used for making beer. Despite all the sweetness of molasses, it actively contributes to the fermentation process. In cooking, it comes to making gingerbread, ice cream, various desserts, as well as rich products. Molasses can significantly lower the freezing point of the product. Therefore, frozen desserts are also prepared with a slight addition.

What to replace the molasses, if you still failedto get it? It is quite useful ordinary honey. In addition, you can use sugar or caramel syrup. By their properties, they, of course, are somewhat inferior to molasses. However, the basic functions are quite capable of replacing.

What is molasses in terms of benefits tobody? This is a real fount of some trace elements. It contains phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, and potassium. So that the energy reserves of the human body are not depleted, regular use of molasses at least in small quantities is necessary. However, we already do this by eating various purchased sweets. On their labels, this ingredient will definitely be listed.

As for the harm of molasses, then specific examplesscience can not lead. However, there is always a risk of facing an individual intolerance to the product by the body. Simply put, you may experience a severe allergic reaction. Therefore, if you suffer similar in relation to honey or sugar syrups, then you should not risk and eat molasses. In addition, it must be abandoned and people with diabetes. Elevated blood sugar is a major contraindication to the use of molasses.