how can you say molasses is not processed? It is a by-product of processing cane sugar.
Molasses or
treacle is a thick syrup by-product from the processing of the sugarcane or sugar bett into sugar.
Sulphured molasses is made from young green sugar cane and is treated with sulfur dioxide fumes, which act as a preservative, during the sugar extraction process. The sugar cane plant is harvested and stripped of its leaves. Its juice is then extracted from the canes, usually by crushing or mashing. The juice is boiled to concentrate and to promote the crystallization of the sugar. The results of this first boiling and removal of sugar crystal is
first molasses, which has the highest sugar content because comparatively little sugar has been extracted from the juice.
Second molasses is created from a second boiling and sugar extraction, and has a slight bitter tinge to its taste.
The third boiling of the sugar syrup gives
blackstrap molasses. The majority of sucrose from the original juice has been crystallized but blackstrap molasses is still mostly sugar by calories; however, unlike refined sugars, it contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. Blackstrap molasses is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. One tablespoon provides up to 20 percent of the daily value of each of those nutrients. Blackstrap is often sold as a health supplement, as well as being used in the manufacture of cattle feed, and for other industrial uses.
molasses isn't refined but it is definately processed.
I do agree though molasses is the best....
, but the most unrefined and non processed way to go would be raw cane sugar, it's sugar and it's brown because it still has molasses in it.