Molasses in great demand during winter season in Nepal
Jan 13, 2020
Kathmandu (Nepal), Jan 13 (ANI): Restless hands and soothing smell boiling lump of sugar! This is what anyone visiting the ancient city of Tokha inside Kathmandu Valley would during winters. Anish Maharjan and his family members are busy preparing molasses since mid November last year and they produce about 500kg molasses per day. The making of molasses is seasonal and the industry only works full-time for just two months in a year. Rest of the time, the people would indulge in farming and other supporting business. Molasses is prepared by cutting, crushing and mashing the sugarcane; extracting the juice and then boiling to concentrate the same. Many families consume molasses as part of family culture and also due to its health benefits. Unlike highly refined sugars, Molasses contains significant amounts of vitamin B and minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron. It is believed to help in relief from stress, enlarged prostate, cancer, diabetes and obesity. During Maghe Sankranti festival people consume 'Chaku', a sweet made from hardened molasses.
