and until the late 1800 or so, when large high pressure evaporators came on line, cyrstalized sugar was a large lump, usually shaped as a rounded cone (see sugar loaf mountain, Brazil) and there were large shears (sugar shears or scissors) for cutting of pieces, which then got pounded, to make fine crystals..
according to Michael Pollan in Botany of Desire many people made an effort to abstain from cane sugar, since it was a product of slavery-- and stayed with other sweetners.. Honey, maple syrup, barley (malt) sugar (or syrup) apple or other fruit juices, and in the last days before US Civil war, corn syrups.
(abstaining from cane sugar was common in both US and UK)
molasses is a great sourse of Iron.. added to a smoothy its a great suppliment.
2 tablespoons provide 50% of daily iron requirement(adults) .. and its a lot easier to get kids to swallow molasses than liver!
