Molasses is a thick, dark liquid that's a byproduct of the sugar refining process. It's rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Molasses has various uses:
## Uses
1. *Baking*: Molasses is often used in baked goods like gingerbread, cookies, and bread.
2. *Cooking*: It's used as a sweetener and flavoring agent in dishes like barbecue sauce and marinades.
3. *Nutritional supplement*: Some people take blackstrap molasses as a supplement due to its mineral content.
## Types
1. *Light molasses*: Mild flavor, often used in baking.
2. *Dark molasses*: Stronger flavor, often used in cooking.
3. *Blackstrap molasses*: Thicker, more bitter, and nutrient-rich.
## Benefits
1. *Mineral content*: Molasses is a good source of iron, calcium, and potassium.
2. *Antioxidant properties*: Molasses contains antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage.
