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Sorghum Syrup vs. Molasses

Sorghum syrup is made from sweet sorghum. This grain is grown in the gulf states, north to Wisconsin and west to Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota. Kentucky and Tennessee are the leading producers of sorghum syrup. It is about 10-14 feet tall and the syrup comes from the canes or stalks. It takes about It takes about eight gallons of sorghum juice to make one gallon of sorghum syrup.

Why choose sorghum syrup over molasses? It has similar quality and consistency to molasses. It is sugar, so it still provides carbohydrates. The nutrient iron is one unique benefit to consuming sorghum syrup. According to the USDA Food Data Central database, sorghum syrup has 3.8mg/100g and molasses has 4.72 mg/100g. Calcium and potassium are also in these syrups.

Here are some tips to substitute sorghum syrup in your recipes from the National Sweet Sorghum Producers & Processors Association.

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.