I can still vividly recall the hot sunny day when I was a child and some misguided relative gave me a spoonful of molasses. For a few seconds, time stopped.
Molasses: One tablespoon supplies as much calcium as a glass of milk and as much iron as nine eggs
It was like being fed a hot melted tyre. And just as revolting in taste. And it wouldn’t go. It coated the inside of my mouth for about two hours, which no amount of lemonade would shift. Worse, it provided the kind of explosive sugar rush that a hyperactive child and irate parents could well have done without at the brownies’ picnic.
So that was that for the next few decades. Any mention of the “m” word evoked a shudder. Even flat-sharing with Americans did not induce me to try the “jar of tar” again.
That was until I read just how good for you molasses really are. They are simply outstanding. A by-product of sugar refining, molasses is a low-fat low-salt almost pure form of carbohydrate energy. They are also dense – not rich, dense – in iron, chromium, copper and calcium. And that’s just what it tells you on the jar.
Further reading of esteemed nutritionists revealed more powers of this dark ambrosia. One tablespoon of molasses supplies as much calcium as a glass of milk and as much iron as nine eggs.
Other minerals and trace elements include potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and zinc – all essential to human functions. It also contains high levels of B vitamins and is an alkali-forming food. It is also reported to benefit sufferers of anaemia, fatigue, arthritis, ulcers, colitis and constipation.
The only advice given on purchasing is to brush your teeth after taking it, as it can cause tooth decay. I expected it to be served in a Kevlar tub wrapped in biohazard tape. And then to carry me home.
Still, ever one to overcome fear or prejudice, I bought the unnervingly heavy jar, took it home and looked at it. Then I took a deep breath, twisted off the lid, stared at the dark, viscous contents within and stuck in a spoon.
It was just as I remembered in consistency and smell. But, reminding myself that it was syrup not kryptonite, I pulled out the spoon and shoved it in my mouth. It was also just as scary in its taste and warming effects as I remembered. Yet my adult brain reminded me that this stuff is good for me, so I endured.
My energy levels rocketed. Not just for an hour or so but for the entire afternoon. My brain seemed sharper. I could focus for longer on my work. And my digestive system seemed even calmer than usual. Even my eyesight seemed better. Truly remarkable stuff.
So, for me, the key to these magnificent molasses is “use sparingly, daily”. Even as I write, the jar is next to my computer. Looking at me. But I always admire power in anyone or anything, and I appreciate that this forbidding looking elixir could well provide a key to good health. And for that, it was well worth ditching my childhood fear.
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