For people who like to add a unique kick to their dishes, pomegranate molasses can be an exciting and nutritionally beneficial ingredient that adds a new flavor to your food. That being said, before adding any new food to your diet, it is best to understand where it comes from, what it contains, and what potential health benefits it may hold.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is pomegranate juice that is boiled down and reduced to a thick, dark syrup. This concentrated form of pomegranate juice doesn’t have an overpowering sweetness, despite being processed in a similar way to regular molasses. Instead, the flavor is earthy and spicy, making it a more versatile ingredient for savory dishes, while still being appropriate for certain sweet preparations. Some people also add other sweet ingredients to the juice before boiling it down, both for the extra flavor and the potential health benefits of those additional components. [1]
Pomegranate molasses gained popularity in Asian cuisine, as pomegranates are native to that area of the world, but with the popularity of pomegranate juice in North America, it is very easy to make your own pomegranate molasses at home. You can use this molasses when cooking, or for therapeutic solutions of various medical conditions.
Pomegranate Molasses Nutrition Facts
Pomegranate molasses is a rich source of B vitamins, as well as vitamin C and a variety of polyphenolic antioxidants. This is in addition to a low level of sugars, calcium, iron, no dietary fiber, and no fats or cholesterol. There are also approximately 40 calories in a 1 tablespoon serving of this molasses. [2]
Pomegranate Molasses Benefits
The most impressive health benefits of pomegranate molasses may include strengthening the immune system, lowering overall cholesterol levels, boosting the metabolism, aiding skin health, among others.
May Aid in Skin Care
With a good amount of vitamin C and a number of polyphenolic antioxidants, pomegranate molasses is able to improve the health of the skin by reducing inflammatory conditions and preventing oxidative stress, which is what causes premature aging and wrinkles. Niacin, which is found in high concentrations in this molasses variety, is also necessary to increase skin elasticity. [3]
Pomegranate molasses are healthy and delicious. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
May Aid in Hair Care
With diverse minerals and powerful organic compounds, regular use of pomegranate molasses can improve hair health by boosting follicle strength, while also increasing the luster and shine of your locks.
May Aid Digestion
Certain B-family vitamins found in high concentrations in pomegranate molasses are excellent for increasing muscle function and nervous system efficiency, which can help with peristaltic motion and the digestion of food, relieving problems with constipation, bloating, and cramping. [4]
May Boost Immune System
With notable amounts of vitamin C, this type of molasses can help to boost the immune system by possibly stimulating the production of white blood cells, the body’s first line of defense against many infectious pathogens and diseases. [5]
May Lower Cholesterol Levels
The polyphenolic compounds found in pomegranate molasses have been directly connected to lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the body, which can lower your risk of atherosclerosis. [6]
How to Make Pomegranate Molasses?
Making your own pomegranate molasses at home is a great way to save some money, especially because the ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is quite simple! Follow the basic steps below and you’ll have this uniquely flavored ingredient available whenever you need it.
Ingredients
- 1 liter of pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of sugar
Step 1 – Mix the three ingredients to make a sauce and bring the mixture up to a boil.
Step 2 – Stir it continuously as the mixture begins to reduce.
Step 3 – Wait for the amount of liquid to reduce by half, which should leave the molasses as a dark syrup.
Step 4 – Let stand for 45 minutes, then pour the molasses into an airtight glass jar.
Step 5 – Store in the refrigerator between uses; it will be most potent if used within 6 months.
