Making of sweet molasses creates jobs in Egypt

Описание: (9 Mar 2021) LEAD IN:
Molasses production remains one of the main sources of income in Upper Egypt.
The thick, dark and sweet liquid is made entirely from the concentrated extract of sugarcane.  

STORY-LINE:
Many people in Upper Egypt's villages, from the farmers to the transportation workers, rely on the molasses industry as a main source of income.
The treacle is a staple in many Egyptian households, where people often mix it with tahini paste and dip bread into the mixture.
Making molasses starts with extracting the juice of sugarcane.
Then the resulting syrup is cleaned, steamed and strained before being taken to a laboratory to be turned into molasses.
The final step is pouring the juice into colanders to make sure it has no impurities.
"Molasses production only requires juice without the need to add any other ingredients," says molasses factory owner Alaa Oraby.
He says the molasses industry could use some help from the state, since it remains primitive.
"If there is room for development, the cost will be too high and the (factory) owners won't be able to afford it," Oraby adds.
Molasses is sold for a price ranging between 15 to 20 Egyptian pounds per kilo ($1 to $1.3).
Sugarcane is a main crop in Upper Egypt and its growth cycle takes about a year from the time the land is prepared to the harvesting season.
During harvesting season, workers cut the sugarcane crops and clean them ahead of transportation.
The sugarcane is taken to to sugar factories, juice shops and molasses factories.

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