ANS:B - molasses

The correct answer is: molasses

Explanation:

In India, molasses, a byproduct of sugar production from sugarcane, is the primary starting material for the commercial production of ethyl alcohol (ethanol). It is widely used due to its availability and cost-effectiveness, making it a key feedstock in the fermentation process to produce ethanol.

Explanation of Molasses

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup produced during the sugar extraction process from sugarcane or sugar beets. Here are the key points to understand about molasses:

1. Production Process

• Extraction: Molasses is a byproduct obtained after the crystallization of sugar from sugarcane or sugar beet juice. As sugar is extracted, the remaining liquid is concentrated to produce molasses.
• Types: There are several types of molasses, depending on the stage of sugar extraction:
  • Cane Molasses: Derived from sugarcane.
  • Beet Molasses: Obtained from sugar beets.
  • Blackstrap Molasses: The thickest and most concentrated type, rich in nutrients and produced during the final stage of sugar extraction.

2. Composition

• Sugars: Molasses contains about 50-60% sugar, primarily sucrose, glucose, and fructose.
• Vitamins and Minerals: It is rich in essential nutrients, including:
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • B vitamins (such as B6 and niacin)

3. Uses of Molasses

• Fermentation: Molasses is a key feedstock for the fermentation process to produce ethanol, which is used in beverages, fuel, and industrial applications.
• Animal Feed: It is commonly used as a nutritional supplement in animal feed due to its high sugar content and nutrient profile.
• Food Industry: Molasses is used as a sweetener, flavoring agent, and coloring agent in various food products, including baked goods, sauces, and confections.
• Production of Sugar: It can also be processed further to recover more sugar or converted into various value-added products.

4. Economic Importance

• Cost-Effective: Molasses is a low-cost byproduct of sugar production, making it an economical raw material for various industries, especially in countries with significant sugar production like India.

5. Environmental Aspect

• Waste Reduction: Utilizing molasses in the production of ethanol and other products helps reduce waste and adds economic value to sugar production.

Summary

Molasses is a versatile and nutrient-rich byproduct of sugar extraction that plays a crucial role in the fermentation industry and animal feed production. Its availability and cost-effectiveness make it an important starting material for various applications, including the commercial production of ethyl alcohol.