Molasses (Tomitsu)

Molasses (tomitsu) is a thick, sugar-rich liquid obtained by boiling down the mother liquor that remains after crystals of sucrose, glucose, and similar sugars have been removed. It is a by-product of sugar manufacturing and contains a large amount of sugar. The main types include blackstrap molasses (haito mitsu, 廃糖蜜), refined molasses, and high-test molasses, each with different characteristics depending on its use. In sake production, molasses can serve as a nutrient source for yeast during fermentation.