Molasses is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It is the syrup that is left behind after crystallization when sugar is made from sugarcane. And it has a deep dark brown (almost black) color. It is sweet but not as sweet as sugar and it has a unique smell and flavor that is second to none. In fact, when you open a jar of molasses, the first thought that comes to mind is gingerbread cookies because a gingerbread cookie would be the best way to describe the smell of molasses. You can buy light, dark, or blackstrap molasses in the market and you can also buy sulfured and unsulfured molasses.