Molasses vs. Brown Sugar

A story about subtlety or boldness.

I’m surprised that many people don’t know brown sugar is cane sugar with some molasses added back to it.

It’s not surprising since molasses looks black, and syrup like, while brown sugar is brown, and grainy. It’s hard to see the relationship.

I also know that plenty of people love brown sugar, and hate molasses. Brown sugar is sweet, with a little smoky character. Molasses is dark, heavy, and has a black licorice quality.

Of course this is a story about subtly and boldness. The people who like brown sugar, like a hint of molasses, sweetened up with sugar. Those who like molasses itself, like powerful, heavy flavors. Brown sugar is for the masses, and molasses for the extremes. Knowing which one you’re serving is important.