Carob Molasses

What Is Carob Molasses?

Carob molasses is a dark brown, naturally sweet molasses made by boiling the ripe pods of the carob (Ceratonia siliqua, harnup) tree in water, straining them, and cooking the resulting liquid until thick.

It is a traditional product of the Mediterranean and Aegean regions; it carries an intense sweetness from carob's natural sugar without needing added sugar. It has a distinct caramel-carob-like aroma and is generally consumed mixed with tahini.

Nutritional Values of Carob Molasses

As a thickened fruit juice, carob molasses contains about 300 kcal of energy per 100 g and is predominantly sugar; it is also a source of minerals such as calcium and iron. Though a natural sweetener, it is highly sugary and should be consumed in moderation.

What Are the Benefits of Carob Molasses?

Carob molasses offers a natural sweetener alternative to refined sugar, with natural sugar and small amounts of minerals. Due to its concentrated sugar, its amount should be watched and it should be considered a small part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; carob molasses is a sweetener and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Carob Molasses

Good-quality carob molasses is additive-free, dark brown, and has a thick consistency; "pure" products without added sugar/glucose syrup in the ingredients are preferred.

• Ingredients should be pure carob, without added sugar
• Color should be dark brown, consistency should be thick-flowing
• Aroma should have a distinct caramel-carob smell

How to Store Carob Molasses

Carob molasses is stored for a long time in a closed jar in a cool place; keeping it in the refrigerator after opening reduces the risk of mold and fermentation. Its high sugar content is a natural preservative.

Using Carob Molasses in Cooking

Carob molasses is mostly mixed with tahini at breakfast; also drizzled over yogurt and desserts, added to hot milk, and used in place of sugar in baking recipes.

How to Make Tahini-Carob Molasses

A spoon of tahini mixed with a spoon of carob molasses makes an energetic, naturally sweet mixture eaten with bread at breakfast.

Is It Used Instead of Sugar?

Yes; it can be used as a liquid sweetener in baking and drink recipes. Since it is liquid, other liquids in the recipe should be reduced somewhat.

Which Recipes Use Carob Molasses?

Tahini-molasses breakfast, yogurt-dessert sauces, addition to hot milk, and baked desserts are the best-known uses of carob molasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are carob molasses and harnup molasses the same?

Yes; harnup is another name for carob, so harnup molasses and carob molasses describe the same product.

Does carob molasses contain sugar?

Its pure form contains no added sugar; however, since carob's own natural sugar becomes concentrated through thickening, it is sweet and caloric and should be consumed in moderation.

Is carob molasses used instead of honey?

Yes; as a fluid sweetener it can be used in similar proportions instead of honey; its taste is darker and more caramel-like than honey.

Is carob molasses vegan?

Yes; it is a completely plant-based product and can be used as a honey alternative in vegan diets.

How is carob molasses stored?

In a closed jar in a cool place; storing it in the refrigerator after opening preserves its freshness and safety.