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Pomegranate molasses is made by reducing pomegranate juice into a thick syrup-like viscosity. Typically, the pomegranate molasses can be used differently, as condiments, or included in dishes to improve flavour. Extraction of pomegranate juice can produce a sour end product with an overwhelming, intense flavour.
However, adding a small quantity of citric acid (lemon juice) improves the preservation of the molasses. Here is everything you should know about pomegranate molasses from what they are, to where they can be obtained, to ways they can be used.
What is pomegranate molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is the juice of pomegranate, slowly boiled over a long period of time to a thickened consistency. Even though it has a similar colour to sugar beets or sugar cane molasses, pomegranate molasses is an ingredient used in enhancing flavour. It is not a sweetening agent. Hence, a small quantity is required in foods.
In the Middle East, pomegranate molasses is added to dishes as a vital ingredient. They are called different names, depending on the area they are being used. The Farsi name is (rob-e-anar), which means “thickened juice”. The Arabic name is (rub rumman or dibs rumaan). The Turkish name it (nar eksisi), which means, “sour pomegranate”. Pomegranate molasses has a more sour taste than sweet.
Sometimes, pomegranate molasses can taste sharp. Good production practices produce deep red coloured molasses. To reduce production costs, a higher boiling point is used to quicken the process, resulting in a dark brown colour and bitter molasses.
Difference between Pomegranate Syrup and Molasses
Pomegranate molasses and syrup are produced using different techniques. Pomegranate syrups use sugar to quicken the production process. They have a sweeter taste but retain the natural pomegranate taste. Pomegranate syrups are used in making cocktails, green salad dressings, drizzled over roast or grilled vegetables and on desserts or ice cream.
Pomegranate molasses employ a low temperature to allow the slow boiling off of water, whilst not burning the juice. This technique ensures the pomegranate colour and flavours are retained. Molasses range from very sour to sweet and tart (sour) taste owing to the different varieties of pomegranates used during the juicing process. Pomegranate molasses is used in savoury dishes like salad dressings, olive oil dipping, dressing over grilled or roasted vegetables.
Additives and Scams to Watch out for when Purchasing Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses can be purchased in supermarkets, Middle Eastern, and online stores. Some pomegranate brands contain sugar additives so that the sour flavour is still maintained, whilst thickening the molasses. Other tricks used to thicken and bulk up pomegranate molasses include the use of thickening agents like cornflour. The use of cornflour often shows up as undissolved circular particles in the molasses that stick to the glass container’s wall.
Some producers have resorted to adding citric acid (lemon juice) to carob juice (brown sweet syrup) and claiming it as authentic pomegranate molasses. These products are often sold very cheap in supermarkets and contain little to no pomegranate juice. However, if you wish to buy authentic quality pomegranate molasses made from pomegranates grown on our Aril Estate farm, you can visit our online store.
How is Pomegranate Molasses Made at Home?
- 1.Add 4 cups of 100% pomegranate juice.
- 2.Add 1/3 to ½ cup white or cane sugar, to taste.
- 3.Add 2-4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 4.Heat the above mixture in a large pan over a gentle heat, stirring to dissolve sugar completely
- 5.Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture has begun to thicken or stain the back of a spoon.
- 6.Allow it to cool slightly, empty content into a sterilized bottle, glass, or jar. Cover with a fitting lid or cap.
This is how at Aril Estate we make our pomegranate molasses. The secret to our delicious molasses is our beautiful farm-fresh pomegranates. So if you feel like whipping up something delicious with pomegranate molasses, visit our online store.
Uses of Pomegranate Molasses
Pomegranate molasses can be used in several classic Middle Eastern food, such as:
- 1.Muhammara, a spread of roasted walnut and pepper
- 2.Fesenjaan, a Persian food made with duck or chicken
- 3.Kisir, a Turkish wheat grain salad
- 4.Used as a substitute for salad dressing instead of vinegar
- 5.Fattoush, which is a type of bread salad
- 6.Used for lamb, poultry marinades, and meat glazes, and also used for barbecue sauces
- 7.Add in drinks like soda, iced tea, and cocktails
- 8.Added to hummus
- 9.Spread on roasted vegetables or glaze on vegetables
- 10.Add to lentil soup as garnishing or add to hearty vegetable soup
- 11.Use it for pancake syrup or add more syrup mixtures such as maple
- 12.Use as garnishing on bacon-wrapped figs.
How Do You Store Pomegranate Molasses?
The moment you open it, preserve it in a refrigerator, especially since you got the pomegranate molasses from the shelf. This means it contains preservatives that will help keep it longer than homemade ones. Also, it should be used within two years of purchasing it, since it may thicken and become overly hardened.
Aril Estate pomegranate molasses does not require refrigeration after opening. The natural fructose sugars naturally preserve the molasses.
Conclusion
Pomegranate molasses is a tart-tasting viscous liquid that can be added to any food to enhance the taste. You can purchase pomegranates from stores and try making your own molasses to enhance the flavour of your dishes. For those who wish to enjoy authentic high-quality pomegranate molasses without the hassle, visit our Aril Estate online store to purchase our sour and sweet and sour molasses.