Pomegranate molasses is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisines. It is added to both sweet and savory dishes to provide a slightly tart, tangy but also sweet taste that is very distinctive. Pomegranate molasses is made by mixing together pomegranate juice, sugar and lemon until it reaches a syrupy consistency that is similar to that of maple syrup.
Nutrients
Pomegranate molasses is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium, and is a very strong flavoring agent, so it can add taste to a dish without significantly increasing the amount of calories, fat or sodium. One two-teaspoon serving contains 78 calories. It also has 6 g of sugar, 20 g of carbohydrates and no fat, sodium, protein or cholesterol.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is necessary for making pomegranate molasses. It is made by mashing the seeds of the pomegranate into a pulp, then extracting the liquid. According to the Mayo Clinic, pomegranate juice might be helpful in slowing down the amount of cholesterol or even preventing the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Cholesterol buildup can lead to heart disease by causing the arteries to harden and constrict.
Antioxidants
According to the Mayo Clinic, pomegranates, and thus pomegranate juice, contain a large amount of polyphenols, which are considered antioxidants, as they might be beneficial in reducing the amount of lipoproteins in the body, which can cause cholesterol buildup. However, pomegranate molasses only uses a small amount of pomegranate juice and is only used sparingly. The antioxidant effects of pomegranate molasses then are likely much more reduced than from fresh pomegranates or pure pomegranate juice.
Uses
Pomegranate molasses is often used as an additive to more complicated dishes. The overall nutritional value of these dishes will depend on the amount and type of the other ingredients. Pomegranate molasses can be brushed onto meats as a glaze, or added to sauces to provide a distinctive taste. It can also be added to baked goods or used as a glaze for finishing baked items.
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