4 Ways to Use Blackstrap Molasses - wikiHow (2024)

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1Baking with Blackstrap Molasses

2Cooking with Blackstrap Molasses

3Using Blackstrap Molasses as a Natural Remedy

4Using Blackstrap Molasses in the Garden

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Blackstrap molasses is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It comes directly from the sugarcane plant and contains the most nutritious parts of the plant.[1] Blackstrap molasses is high on the glycemic scale, so it should only be consumed in small amounts. It is a versatile substance and can be used in a variety of areas, such as food preparation, medicine, and gardening. You can use blackstrap molasses in baking and cooking as a natural sweetener. You can also use it as a natural remedy for medical issues and in your garden to improve the soil.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Baking with Blackstrap Molasses

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  1. 1

    Bake gingerbread cookies with molasses. Blackstrap molasses is an essential ingredient in many gingerbread cookie recipes. A few tablespoons of organic blackstrap molasses in gingerbread cookies can add sweetness and nutrients to the recipe. Try a classic gingerbread cookie recipe or make gingerbread men cookies for the holidays.[2]

    • You can also make gingerbread cookies that are gluten free and vegan using molasses, rolled oat flour, pepita seed powder, and maple syrup.[3]
  2. 2

    Make pumpkin pie with molasses. A few tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in pumpkin pie can add a smoky sweetness to the dessert. Try adding molasses to an existing pumpkin pie recipe, replacing the sugar with molasses, or use a pumpkin pie recipe that incorporates molasses.[4]

    • If you are vegan or want to cut down on your dairy intake, make a vegan pumpkin pie with molasses.[5]

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  3. 3

    Use molasses in muffins and cookies. Blackstrap molasses is also great in muffins and cookies. Prepare muffins with fruits and molasses. Or make molasses spice cookies.[6]

    • You can also prepare pumpkin pie cookies with molasses.
    • Molasses is also good in loaves, such as a chocolate gingerbread loaf.[7]
  4. 4

    Make raw energy balls with molasses. Molasses’ sticky consistency is great for making raw energy balls. Add molasses to homemade power bars or energy balls to bind together the ingredients. Using molasses instead of honey or maple syrup can add more nutrients and a deeper flavor to the raw energy balls.[8]

    • Prepare raw energy balls with molasses, almonds, and dried fruit.[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Cooking with Blackstrap Molasses

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  1. 1

    Make baked beans with molasses. Blackstrap molasses is a great addition to baked beans, adding a deeper flavor and consistency to the dish. You can make baked beans with molasses on the stove top or in a slow cooker. Bake the beans from scratch with the molasses or add molasses to canned beans for extra flavor and sweetness.

    • Follow a simple recipe for stove top baked beans using two tablespoons of molasses, Dijon mustard, and two apples for sweetness.[10]
    • Prepare baked beans in the slow cooker with ¼ cup molasses.[11]
  2. 2

    Prepare smoothies with molasses. If you enjoy smoothies in the morning to help you start your day, try adding molasses for nutrients and natural sweetness. Molasses is a good addition to smoothies if you are vegetarian or vegan, as it is high in iron and easy for your body to absorb.

    • Make a gingerbread smoothie with blackstrap molasses and chia seeds.[12]
    • Try a pumpkin pie smoothie rich in nutrients from blackstrap molasses and canned pumpkin.
  3. 3

    Make barbeque sauce and salad dressing with molasses. Blackstrap molasses is a great addition to barbeque sauce, creating a smoky sweetness in the sauce. You can prepare the barbeque sauce with molasses and use it to glaze pork, beef, and chicken.[13]

    • You can also use blackstrap molasses in salad dressings, such as a molasses vinaigrette for a simple leafy green salad.[14]
  4. 4

    Glaze vegetables with molasses. Blackstrap molasses can add a nice sweetness to vegetable dishes. Glaze vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and onions in molasses for your next holiday meal or to add something extra to a vegetable side dish.[15]

    • Prepare molasses and ginger carrots.[16]
    • You can also steam carrots, potatoes, and onions, and then add a molasses glaze for a healthy, tasty dish.[17]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Blackstrap Molasses as a Natural Remedy

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  1. 1

    Take molasses for anemia. Blackstrap molasses is high in iron, vitamin B, and other minerals. It is a good natural remedy if you suffer from anemia, where you feel fatigued due to an iron-deficiency. Make sure you use organic, unsulphured blackstrap molasses for this remedy.

    • Prepare the molasses by dissolving 1 tablespoon in hot water. Have one dose of molasses a day to help with your anemia.
  2. 2

    Use molasses as a laxative. Blackstrap molasses can be used to help treat constipation. The magnesium content in molasses can encourage your colon to work properly and get your bowels moving. Take one tablespoon of molasses before bed at night. Dilute the molasses in a cup of hot water, milk, prune juice, or fruit juice if the taste is too strong.

    • You can try increasing the amount to two tablespoons a night if you are really constipated. However, do not take more than two tablespoons as a time and try to decrease the amount of molasses you take every night over time.
  3. 3

    Take molasses for menstrual cramps. Blackstrap molasses contains nutrients that can help reduce menstrual cramps, particularly vitamin B6, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Take 1 to 3 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses a day while you are menstruating to reduce your cramps. You can also add a spoonful of molasses to herbal tea and drink it that way to help treat cramping.[18]

    • Do not take more than 6 teaspoons of molasses a day. Having too much molasses can lead to loose stools.
    • If you have diabetes, do not take blackstrap molasses on a daily basis as it is high in sugar.
  4. 4

    Use molasses for skincare and haircare. Blackstrap molasses can be used to help treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Make a nourishing face wash out of molasses by diluting 1-2 teaspoons of molasses in warm water and then let it cool. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing it off with water.[19]

    • Blackstrap molasses can also be used to hydrate your hair. Dilute molasses in warm water and apply it to your hair as a conditioning treatment for 15 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Blackstrap Molasses in the Garden

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  1. 1

    Add molasses to the soil. Blackstrap molasses is a good supplement for your garden, as it contains micro and macro nutrients and boosts the moisture and growth in the soil. Use organic, unsulphured blackstrap molasses in your garden for the best results. Add the molasses to the soil in small doses, starting with 1 tablespoon of molasses per gallon of water during feedings.

    • You can then increase the amount of molasses, especially as flowers or plants start to grow. Flowering plants require more potassium, which the molasses can provide.
  2. 2

    Put molasses in your compost. You can also add blackstrap molasses to your compost to improve the nutrients in the compost. Start by adding a few tablespoons of molasses into the compost. Then use the compost in your garden.

    • Adding molasses to your compost is a good idea if the soil in your garden is poor or low in nutrients. Compost with molasses can encourage plant growth when added to the soil.
  3. 3

    Use molasses as an insect repellant. The sugars in molasses can help repel and kill common garden pests and insects. The molasses will help to encourage the growth of microbes, which will enrich the soil, and reduce the presence of pests. Add 1 teaspoon per gallon of water to your garden to help repel insects.

    • Make sure you dilute the molasses in warm water so it dissolves before you add it to the watering system for your garden.
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      4 Ways to Use Blackstrap Molasses - wikiHow (26)

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      This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 28,196 times.

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      FAQs

      What is the best way to take blackstrap molasses? ›

      Another way to reap the benefits of blackstrap molasses is by drinking it hot. Simply heat a cup of milk on the stove and add a tablespoon of blackstrap. Mix until combined and sip away. The robust flavor is sure to warm you right up.

      How do you take blackstrap molasses daily? ›

      How much blackstrap molasses should I take daily? A. The ideal intake of molasses is one tablespoon or 20 grams per day. Though blackstrap molasses is rich in iron, vitamins, and copper, you should consume it in moderation each day to avoid side effects like diarrhoea.

      What can I do with blackstrap molasses? ›

      Because of its unique, rich flavor, some people use blackstrap molasses as a spread or topping on toast, oatmeal and porridges. It's also a good sweetener for marinades, barbecue sauce and to use while baking.

      How much blackstrap molasses should I take daily for anemia? ›

      Blackstrap molasses, also known as pregnancy tea (1 tablespoon per day in a cup of hot water), is a good source of iron, B vitamins, and minerals.

      How do you take molasses daily? ›

      In order to reap the full benefits, experts at The Alternative Daily suggest mixing one to two tablespoons of molasses in your morning drink. If you're hesitant to add it to your coffee or tea, slip a few spoonfuls into lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.

      What's the best way to eat molasses? ›

      Not very sweet enough on its own, molasses loves a sweet buddy to balance out its earthiness, like brown or white sugar in sauces or bourbon in glazes and marinades. You can add it to waffle or pancake batters, stir it into smoothies, shakes, applesauce, or a warm glass of milk, or use it to sweeten coffee.

      Can I drink black molasses everyday? ›

      Blackstrap molasses has another important quality when used as a daily supplement — it can help combat stress, anxiety, and even acne. In addition to calcium, molasses is rich in B vitamins, particularly B6, as well as magnesium.

      Is it good to drink molasses everyday? ›

      Molasses is safe for most people if they consume it in moderation. While molasses can be a good alternative to refined sugar, consuming too much of any added sugar can have adverse effects. The effects may be particularly harmful to people with diabetes.

      Can I add molasses to coffee? ›

      Molasses is a by-product of the sugar refining process, and has a thick, dark appearance. Sweetening your coffee with molasses will provide a rich, earthy flavor without adding as many calories as white sugar.

      What are the healing properties of blackstrap molasses? ›

      Blackstrap molasses is a nutritious byproduct of sugarcane production. Unlike refined sugar, it's naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. As such, it may relieve constipation, help treat anemia, and support bone and hair health.

      What is the fastest way to cure anemia? ›

      Choose iron-rich foods
      1. Red meat, pork and poultry.
      2. Seafood.
      3. Beans.
      4. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
      5. Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
      6. Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
      7. Peas.
      Jan 4, 2022

      Is molasses good for arthritis? ›

      One reason some suspect molasses may help relieve pain is that it's rich in vitamins and nutrients, including magnesium, which helps preserve nerve and muscle function as well as joint cartilage, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

      Why can't I use blackstrap molasses? ›

      It has a sugar content of only 45% and a whopping 1% of your daily sodium content in every spoonful. For those reasons, it should absolutely never be used in place of molasses unless a recipe specifically calls for blackstrap by name.

      Do you have to refrigerate molasses after you open it? ›

      Unopened molasses can be stored at room temperature for 12 months. After opening, store at room temperature for 6 months for best quality.

      Why is there a warning on blackstrap molasses? ›

      The packaging of molasses develops the awakening call for the consumers as we are aware of the fact that molasses contains heavy and lengthy metals like copper, iron, arsenic, and zinc. Due to this, it is necessary to have a prop 65 warning on every molasses packaging.

      What does molasses do for the brain? ›

      Brain Booster - The calcium, magnesium and B vitamins in black molasses fight fatigue, anxiety and stress while boosting brain function, mood and improving focus. Prevents Anemia - Since black molasses contains iron, it helps in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells to prevent anemia.

      Is a tablespoon of molasses a day good for you? ›

      Enjoyed in moderation, blackstrap molasses can add a hint of sweetness to many foods, along with several important vitamins and minerals. Other health benefits of blackstrap molasses include the following: It can help prevent anemia. One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 20% of the iron you need each day.

      Does molasses heal the gut? ›

      Digestion Aid—If you're feeling over-full after a big meal, a spoonful of molasses might be the remedy as it stimulates digestion. 10. Constipation Remedy—Blackstrap molasses is a natural stool softener and prevents constipation.

      Is molasses better for you than honey? ›

      The USP of black strap molasses is that unlike sugar and honey, it contains both macro and micro-nutrients such as Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Selenium and Vitamin B6. This is the reason why it is also referred as a superfood.

      Can you eat molasses by itself? ›

      Since it's a byproduct of sugar, you might not expect molasses to be high in nutrients, but it's a surprising source of some minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and iron. While molasses is not something to eat on its own, it makes a nutritious substitute for refined sugar in some recipes.

      How often should you use molasses? ›

      Use a molasses and water mixture every two weeks, in addition to your molasses fertilizer, for best results. Molasses plant fertilizer is an excellent non-toxic and cost effective way to keep your plants happy and pest free.

      Does molasses boost immune system? ›

      It also helps strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin, and improve the formation of new cells in the body. What is Molasses? Molasses is a by-product obtained from the processing of sugar cane and sugar beet into table sugar.

      Is molasses anti inflammatory? ›

      The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nature of molasses makes it an excellent ingredient to help curing conditions such as neuralgia and rheumatism, and these properties in blackstrap molasses ease the discomfort and symptoms of arthritis by reducing swelling, joint inflammation, and pain.

      Which molasses is healthiest? ›

      Blackstrap Molasses

      It's sometimes referred to as the healthiest molasses because it contains a ton of vitamins and minerals, including iron, manganese, copper, calcium and potassium. It also has a lower glycemic value because most of the sugar was extracted during the triple processing.

      Does molasses burn fat? ›

      Cinnamon Molasses is an extremely effective weight loss as both cinnamon and molasses are great for fat burn.
      ...
      Ingesting molasses helps the body in the following ways:
      • Iron deficiency treatment.
      • Fighting anemia.
      • Provides energy.
      • Burn unwanted body fats.
      • Improves digestion.
      Apr 15, 2022

      Is molasses a superfood? ›

      Molasses is surprisingly nutrient dense, and could even be considered a superfood based on its impressive vitamin and mineral content. Not to mention, its strong, robust flavor is an irreplaceable component of a number of recipes.

      What's the difference between molasses and blackstrap molasses? ›

      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.

      Does molasses activate yeast? ›

      Molasses, a form of sugar, provides the food for the yeast so it can reproduce. The molasses is mixed with water and sterilised to kill off unwanted bacteria, clarified by removal of sludge and then held in vats.

      Can you use molasses instead of honey in tea? ›

      Molasses (made from the juice of sugar cane) is a very good substitution for honey. This natural syrup has a sweet, caramel-like flavor that's similar to honey. Substitute molasses for honey on a 1:1 ratio. Be aware that blackstrap molasses is a more refined form of molasses and has a bit of a bitter aftertaste.

      How much molasses to put in tea? ›

      For a 5 gallon brew, you will need the following ingredients: 6 tbsp unsulphured blackstrap molasses. 1 cup earth worm castings/vermicompost. ½ cup cow compost.

      Does blackstrap molasses help hair growth? ›

      Additionally, blackstrap molasses is rich in antioxidants, thickens hair, and promotes strong hair growth, making it an excellent option for supporting healthy hair growth and reversing graying hair.

      Is blackstrap molasses antibacterial? ›

      That same year, a study in the Journal of Oleo Science found that certain phenolic compounds in molasses also have antibacterial activity, including the ability to inhibit organisms that promote tooth decay.

      Does blackstrap molasses help hormones? ›

      Super rich in iron, blackstrap molasses can improve your mood, which relies on a balance of hormones (including serotonin, dopamine and other vital hormones) that cannot properly be synthesized in the brain when oxygen levels are low. This is why iron deficiency sometimes results in a poor mood, sleep, & energy levels.

      Can your eyes tell if you have low iron? ›

      Eye symptoms of low iron can include a pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids. In moderate or severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, the inside layer of the lower eyelid is very pale pink or yellow instead of red.

      What are the five strange symptoms of anemia? ›

      If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include:
      • Blue color to the whites of the eyes.
      • Brittle nails.
      • Desire to eat ice or other non-food things (pica syndrome)
      • Lightheadedness when you stand up.
      • Pale skin color.
      • Shortness of breath with mild activity or even at rest.
      • Sore or inflamed tongue.
      • Mouth ulcers.

      What makes anemia go away? ›

      For some types of mild to moderate anemia, you may need iron supplements, vitamins, or medicines that make your body produce more red blood cells. To prevent anemia in the future, your doctor may also suggest healthy eating changes.

      What is the fastest way to reduce inflammation in the joints? ›

      RICE method.

      If you think your joint inflammation is due to a sudden injury, the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method is the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling. See an orthopedist if the pain and swelling don't diminish after RICE treatment.

      What are the five foods that fight arthritis? ›

      To ease your arthritis pain, try these types of food:
      • Fatty Fish. Salmon, mackerel and tuna have high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Both of these have been found to help reduce inflammation. ...
      • Dark Leafy Greens. ...
      • Nuts. ...
      • Olive Oil. ...
      • Berries. ...
      • Garlic and Onions. ...
      • Green Tea.
      May 30, 2018

      When should I take black strap molasses? ›

      You should drink this supplement first thing in the morning because that is when your body requires energy the most. There are people who drink this mix three times daily as a remedy for severely poor health conditions. You can incorporate blackstrap molasses in a wide variety of foods as a sweetener.

      Is drinking blackstrap molasses good for you? ›

      Blackstrap molasses is a nutritious byproduct of sugarcane production. Unlike refined sugar, it's naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. As such, it may relieve constipation, help treat anemia, and support bone and hair health.

      Can you get too much iron from blackstrap molasses? ›

      Also, to be careful. “You can have too much iron,” she said, although the iron content in molasses is so low that it's unlikely to cause issues. “Iron deficiency is bad, but an excess of iron is toxic.

      What are the cons of blackstrap molasses? ›

      Potential Risks of Blackstrap Molasses

      Although lower in sugar and higher in nutrients than some sweeteners, blackstrap molasses can still raise your blood sugar. It should be used in moderation, especially for people with diabetes.

      What are the healing properties of molasses? ›

      Potential benefits
      • Bone health. Molasses is a good source of iron, selenium, and copper, all of which help maintain healthy bones. ...
      • Heart health. Molasses is a decent potassium source, promoting healthy blood pressure and helping maintain heart health. ...
      • Blood sugar. ...
      • Antioxidants.

      Does blackstrap molasses cause inflammation? ›

      The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nature of molasses makes it an excellent ingredient to help curing conditions such as neuralgia and rheumatism, and these properties in blackstrap molasses ease the discomfort and symptoms of arthritis by reducing swelling, joint inflammation, and pain.

      Does blackstrap molasses expire? ›

      Information. Unopened molasses can be stored at room temperature for 12 months. After opening, store at room temperature for 6 months for best quality.

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