Sugar independently can be used to prepare many food dishes. Two substances that we obtain while the preparation of sugar or after using sugar with another ingredient are 1. Molasses 2. Syrups.
Molasses vs Syrup
Molasses is a by-product of the process of preparation of sugar. On the other hand, the syrup is an admixture prepared by mixing sugar and water. The process of preparation of molasses is different from the process of preparation of syrup.
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Molasses has several applications and is used to prepare several beverages and foodstuff. It is used in the process of distillation rum and is also a primary ingredient of brown sugar.
A syrup is an admixture of sugar and water. Sugar is dissolved thoroughly in the water during the process of preparation of syrup.
Comparison Table
Parameters of Comparison | Molasses | Syrup |
---|---|---|
Definition | A by-product obtained during the process of preparation of sugar is known as molasses. | An admixture prepared by dissolving sugar into water consistently is known as syrup. |
Constituents | Carbohydrates (sugar and dietary fibers) Fats, Proteins, Vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, choline), Minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, sodium), Water. | Sucrose, Glucose, Fructose, D-sorbitol, Saccharin sodium, Water-soluble macromolecules, Acetaminophen. |
Subtypes | Light molasses, Dark molasses, Blackstrap molasses, Unsulfered molasses, Suffered molasses. | Maple syrup, Simple syrup, Corn syrup, Chocolate syrup, Glucose syrup, High fructose corn syrup, Golden syrup, Agave syrup, Cane syrup, Gomme syrup. |
Uses | Baking, Candy-making, production of vinegar, citric acid, Used in animal feed. | Sweetening of beverages (hot or cold), Used as a glaze or topping in breakfast or desserts, Used in the preparation of sweet and sour sauces and marinades, Used to make granola. |
Health Benefits | Improves bone health and heals damaged bones, Arthritis reliever, Anti-aging ingredients help to keep hair healthy, Prevents anemia, Blood sugar level stabilization, Menstrual pain relief, Stimulation of digestive system, Healthy skin, Prevents constipation, Boosts stamina and energy, Prevents insomnia | Help lose weight, provide antioxidants, improve metabolic health, Active compounds in some syrups help reduce the growth of cancer cells, Break carbohydrates in the digestive tract, Prevalence inflammatory disorders, Supply of vitamins, Supply of minerals. |
Recipes | Brown bread, Puddings, Muffins, Baked ribs, Gingerbread muffins, Ginger chicken kabobs, Gingerbread. | Pancakes, Cocktails, Fajitas, Pie, Scones, Soups, Popcorn, Roasted vegetables, Snack mix, Bread pudding, Mousse. |
What is Molasses?
A by-product obtained during the process of preparation of sugar is known as molasses. There exist various types of molasses such as Light molasses, Dark molasses, Blackstrap molasses, Unsulfered molasses, Suffered molasses etc.
The word “molasses” is derived from the Portuguese word “melaço”.
Molasses contain several nutritional ingredients such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins etc. Molasses is used in several food dishes and beverages.
Different types of molasses are used for different purposes. Treatment of molasses with sulfur dioxide created sulfured molasses, which was used as a bleaching agent and also to kill bacteria.
What is Syrup?
An admixture prepared by dissolving sugar into water consistently is known as syrup. Sugar is dissolved thoroughly in the water during the process of preparation of syrup.
Simple syrups are used to make cocktails and are made by simply mixing sugar and water. Flavoured syrups are made by mixing simple syrups and various flavouring agents such as orange peels, lemongrass, rosemary, chipotle chillies and cardamom, ginger etc.,
Different types of syrup were introduced at different times. Corn syrup was introduced in mid-1970, and Richard O. Marshall was its inventor.
Main Differences Between Molasses and Syrup
- The initiation of molasses was seen in the 1600s. On the other hand, the initiation of syrups was seen in the year 1557.
- The Ph level of molasses is between 5.5 to 5.7. On the other hand, the Ph level of syrup is between 6.5 to 7.0.
- The syrup has a weaker flavour as compared to molasses.
Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.