What Is Pomegranate Molasses?

Pomegranate molasses is basically pomegranate juice with the water content taken out.

This is achieved by boiling the juice of pomegranate seeds until the majority of its water content evaporates. The result is a thick, syrup-like consistency, brown/purplish in color with a tangy and sweet taste.

With its very rich, flavorsome taste and thick consistency it is often referred to as ‘pomegranate syrup’ or ‘pomegranate oil’. As well as tasting delicious, it retains all the pomegranate health benefits that this super fruit contains.

Uses for Pomegranate Molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a natural flavoring and used in many dishes. For example it really brings out the taste in poultry such as duck and chicken and is a great tenderizer for pork and lamb. It gives your barbecue sauce a real zip.

It can be added to salads, vegetables and beans, and gives a tart taste to fish. It can be used for sauces and works well in marinades. It can be diluted and used in tart sorbets or as a sharp, refreshing drink. It can also bring a sweet taste to breads.

This delicious flavor is very popular and readily available in the Middle East. If you’re not fortunate enough to have a Middle Eastern, kosher or ethnic foods grocery store near you, you can still enjoy the benefits of pomegranate molasses in your cooking because it’s easy to make your own. It’s a great product to have in the kitchen because it keeps indefinitely in the refrigerator.

How to Make Pomegranate Molasses

You can press the juice from fresh pomegranate arils or make the molasses from store-bought juice. But why bother when pomegranate molasses is so cheap to buy and conveniently available from online stores like Amazon.com?

But if you do wish to make it yourself it’s easy enough to do: There are 2 main methods. One is to squeeze the juice from a large pomegranate and boil the juice until it has evaporated to approximately 2 tablespoons.

Another method is to take 750ml pomegranate juice, 100g sugar and 125ml lemon juice and simmer until reduced to 250ml.

Where Can I Buy Pomegranate Molasses?

Pomegranate Molasses is more popular with Middle Eastern cultures and you may need to visit a local kosher or ethnic foods grocery store to purchase it.

Luckily Amazon sell a very good pomegranate molasses, so you can get it delivered straight to your door!

I know there are many other uses for pomegranate molasses. Has anyone else tried it, and how do you enjoy it? Please drop your comments below.