Pomegranate molasses facts for kids
Pomegranate molasses is a thick, dark syrup made from the juice of pomegranates. It's also known by other names like Dibs Ar-rumman in Arabic, rakkaz rimonim in Hebrew, and nar ekshisi in Turkish. This special seasoning is very popular in Middle Eastern cooking. People use it to add a unique sour and slightly sweet flavor to many dishes. You can find it in recipes for fish and meat, and it's also a great way to add a tangy kick to salads instead of using vinegar.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is basically concentrated pomegranate juice. It's made by cooking down the juice until it becomes thick and syrupy. One of its names, narsharab, comes from a Persian word that means "pomegranate wine." But don't worry, it doesn't contain any alcohol! This syrup gets its tangy taste from natural citric acid, which makes up about 10% of it. It also contains about 45% sugar, giving it a balanced flavor that's both sour and a little sweet.
How is Pomegranate Molasses Made?
Making pomegranate molasses is a simple process, though recipes can be a bit different depending on where you are.
- First, pomegranates are squeezed to get all their juice out.
- Then, this juice is heated slowly.
- The heat makes the water in the juice evaporate, which causes the juice to become much thicker. It's usually cooked until it's about half its original amount.
- Sometimes, after the juice has thickened, extra ingredients are added. These can include sugar to make it sweeter, or spices like coriander, basil, and cinnamon to give it more flavor. Some recipes even add a little black or red pepper for a subtle kick!
See also
In Spanish: Melaza de granada para niños
