Explore the question in detail with explanation, related questions, and community discussions.
When sugar is produced from sugarcane juice, the process involves concentration, clarification, and crystallization. Once the juice is boiled and concentrated, sugar crystals begin to separate out. After removing the crystalline sucrose, a thick, dark-colored viscous liquid remains. This leftover liquid is known as molasses.
Molasses composition:
Molasses still contains a significant amount of sugars (such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose) that could not be crystallized. It also includes minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, along with organic compounds that give it a strong flavor and color.
Uses of molasses:
In the fermentation industry, molasses is widely used as a substrate for producing ethanol and citric acid.
It serves as raw material in the production of rum and other alcoholic beverages.
In agriculture, it is used as cattle feed and soil conditioner.
It is also utilized in food industries for making syrups, candies, and as a flavoring agent.
Option analysis:
Jaggery is unrefined sugar obtained directly by concentrating sugarcane juice, not the residue after crystallization.
Molasses is correct; it is the syrupy residue left after sugar crystals are removed.
Treacle is a British term similar to molasses, but in this context, the industrial name is molasses.
Glucose syrup is a processed product obtained by hydrolysis of starch, not from sugarcane juice residue.
Thus, the correct answer is molasses.
Molasses is a valuable by-product of the sugar industry, not just waste. It is considered an important raw material for several chemical industries and plays a crucial role in biofuel production as well.
Discussion
Leave a Comment