Refrigerating Molasses Will Probably Result In Frustration (Here's How To Store It)

The phrase "slow as molasses" is a common idiom that means moving or acting very slowly, since that's what molasses generally does. While it's not known where the phrase originally came from, there is an incident in U.S. history that showed people that molasses doesn't always move slowly. In 1919, a storage tank filled with molasses burst and flooded the streets of Boston with 2 million gallons of the sticky liquid. It caused significant damage and even led to 21 deaths.  

Today, molasses may not be as common in kitchens as syrup and honey, but it is still often used for recipes and as a natural sweetener. If you happen to have a jar, you may be wondering how to store it to keep it good for longer. You may think that, like most foods, storing it in the fridge will do the trick, but that will most likely result in frustration. Here's why you should not store molasses in the fridge, and what you should actually do with it.

Molasses can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. There is no need to refrigerate it because it is a low-water food, which means that it spoils at a slower rate. Storing molasses in the refrigerator can cause it to become thicker and harder to use, making it more difficult to pour and measure. 

Of course, there are exceptions to refrigerating molasses. If you live in a hot, humid climate, for example, it may be best to store molasses in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling in the pantry. If you do choose to refrigerate your molasses, be sure to let it come to room temperature before using it to ensure it flows easily, saving you some major frustration. If the molasses becomes too thick or hard, you can loosen it up by placing the container in a bowl of warm water, in the oven, or in the microwave for a few seconds, until it becomes more liquid.

You may be wondering if syrup and molasses are the same things — no, they are not. While both are sweeteners, they are made from very different ingredients and have different flavors and uses. Syrup has a much higher water content than molasses, making its consistency thinner, so it can go bad quickly if you leave an unopened container of syrup in the pantry. Syrup is best kept in the refrigerator after opening.

Honey, like molasses, does not need to be refrigerated after opening. It can stay good in an air-tight container, stored in a cool, dry place for up to — well, ever. Honey actually never goes bad, if stored properly. Opened molasses, on the other hand, will only stay good for about 6 months when stored in the pantry, per the USDA. It is important to keep the container tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in, which can cause the molasses to dry out or harden.