As part of my plan for a fortifying fall season, I’m examining the possibilities of using Blackstrap Molasses in more food and beverage options. Why? Well, blackstrap molasses is a huge nutritional powerhouse. It has an incredible number of vitamins and minerals, including:

• iron (for building those red blood cells! 1 tablespoon has 15% of your daily requirements)
• calcium (for healthy bones)
• magnesium (for healthy muscles and heart)
• copper (for healthy blood, skin, and hair)
• Vitamin B6 (metabolic functions, possible links to hormones, nervous system);
• Vitamin K (for healthy blood)
• manganese (involved in many important enzyme reactions in the body)
• potassium (for a healthy fluid balance)
• selenium (an antioxidant – protective of cells))

Calgon, take me away!

It’s worth noting (before Calgon carries me TOO far away) that blackstrap molasses is still a sugar. Technically speaking, it’s a sugar manufacturing by-product (after conventional sugar is made, minerals and a dark syrup remain – this is blackstrap molasses), but it still has carbohydrates in it and still has an impact on blood sugar; so, if you have any blood sugar issues, this might not be the best way to boost your iron.

For others, given it’s nutrient profile, blackstrap molasses is a worthwhile addition to a healthy diet, particularly for those who are looking to boost up in iron, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

If you’re wondering what else you can do with the giant bottle of blackstrap molasses you just purchased, consider the following:

• Stir it into muffins (like vegan gf raisin bran) or smoothies
• Bake it into cookies (perhaps ginger molasses cookies?)
• Drizzle it on pancakes or oatmeal in place of syrup
• Try it on a slice of toast with some nut butter.

Fortifying Molasses Hot Chocolate

• Author: Emily Joldersma, R.H.N.
• Recipe Notes: gluten-free, soy-free (depending on milk); nut-free (depending on milk), naturally-sweetened (depending on milk variety), vegan

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups non-dairy milk;
• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses (look for organic and unsulfured)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until just simmering.
2. Stir in molasses until fully blended;
3. Whisk in cocoa powder;
4. Pour into a mug and top with cinnamon.

© Emily Joldersma, RHN, Eat Well, Live Vibrantly