Blackstrap Molasses - The Black Goo That's Good for You

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Well, I had my first experience with blackstrap molasses. I opened the jar and poured the thick, black goo onto the spoon. It reminded me of some black sludge you'd find at the bottom of an oil barrel. Oh, wait, that's right - blackstrap molasses is the black waste that's left over after regular molasses is made, so it really is the black sludge from the bottom of the barrel! It also made me think of the black secretions oozing out of bubonic plague victims. Not that I've ever seen anyone with actual bubonic plague, but I have a good imagination.

So then I dropped it into a glass of warm water and it quickly dissolved, creating a lovely yellow-brown water the color of which I haven't seen since I had that bad case of food poisoning a year ago.

Disgusted by the color, I bravely took a sip and recoiled at the bitterness. People use this as a sweetener? It was hard getting past the feeling that I was drinking some form of toxic sludge from a Tijuana sewer. I didn't think I could finish it, but I persevered and about halfway through the glass I actually started enjoying it. The bitterness disappeared and I began to notice the sweetness. This is what mind over matter is all about, people. Instead of focusing on how gross it is, just say to yourself: "I am a beautiful and special person and I am drinking something disgusting because I'm worth it!" If you say that over and over, even drinking actual toilet water can be tolerable.

But seriously, folks. It's good for you. Or should I say goo for you?

Posted by Tracy on April 9, 2006 11:01 AM | DIGG | del.icio.us | furl