Sugar is an undeniable part of our daily lives and it’s unfair not to talk about the byproducts. When the sugar byproducts are concerned, black treacle vs. molasses is a common comparison. For the most part, these sugar byproducts tend to have the same properties but there are various differences that we are going to talk about in this article!
Black Treacle vs Molasses
Black Treacle
To illustrate, it is the thick and dark syrups that are famous as the byproduct of refined sugar and is extracted while refining sugar. For the most part, the black treacle is famous in the UK and actually originated from there. Black treacle is known to be the British substitute (or equivalent) of molasses and has become an essential part of various UK recipes.
As far as the usage is concerned, black treacle is widely used in sweet dishes, such as puddings, toffees, and cakes. In addition, it can be added to drinks. The most exciting fact is that before the 17th century, the black treacle was only used for medicinal purposes as it was known as an antidote for snakebites and poison. In addition, it is the uncrystallized syrup that’s taken out after refining the sugar.
It is the dark and thick sugar syrup that has the sugarcane molasses for creating the bitter taste. In addition to black treacle, light treacle is also extremely famous which is known as golden syrup. The golden syrup tends to be sweeter as compared to the black treacle. As far as the making is concerned, black treacle is manufactured by the Tate & Lyle Company.
Black treacle can be used straight out of the tin and is generally more experience as compared to other syrups. It is often a combination of inverted sugar syrup and cane molasses and has a burnt and bitter flavor. In case you are concerned about the usage, it can be used as a preservative for meat (it works just like salt preservation).
However, in the majority of cases, it is known to be the liquid sweetener that is used in sweet sauces, baking recipes, and desserts. In addition, it makes an apt addition to marinades and glazes for meat. Not to forget, black treacle can be mixed into cocktails and teas while some people brew it with beer. When added to the recipe, it can add moisture and darker color to the recipes along with a smokey yet rich flavor. Lastly, it’s best to warm the tin before pouring black treacle out of the tin (it’s easier this way).
Molasses
Molasses is the cane sugar with a caramelized form which is made when the sugar is extracted from the mixture. It is the sweet and dark byproduct that’s made when sugar is extracted from the sugar beets and sugarcane. Molasses are actually famous in Southern U.S and the Caribbean since these areas have sugar beets and sugarcane in abundance.
During the early 20th century, molasses was used as a sweetener (it was extremely popular by the way). It is perfect for classic recipes, such as holiday bake recipes, such as baked beans and gingerbread. In addition, it’s a perfect addition to BBQ sauce and any other recipe that demands dense sweetness. Molasses must be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place to retain the flavor.
Molasses is made by boiling the juice extracted from sugar beets and/or sugarcane until the sugar components are crystallized. However, the crystals are precipitated out to make the consistent and smooth syrup. Some people also cook this mixture in various cycles but the sugar content will be actually less.
There are different colors, nutritional contents, and sweetness of molasses; it depends on where the sugar was extracted from. To name a few, different types of molasses include medium molasses, dark molasses, light molasses, and blackstrap molasses. Moreover, molasses is also found in the unsulfured and sulfured forms (sulfur is basically a preservative).
In case you are wondering about the uses, molasses works as flavoring and sweetener for sauces and baked recipes. It can add moisture to the food. In addition, the availability of calcium reduces the food-softening which makes sure that baked goods retain the shape. Moreover, light molasses makes a suitable syrup for pancakes and you can also add it to oatmeal and hot cereals.