Molasses is one of the sweetest foods in Bangladesh. And, Water Melon is one of the most popular fruits grown in Bangladesh. The juice of this succulent fruit refreshes the mind and body on summer days. But the idea of molasses made with watermelon juice is absolutely unprecedented. Mrityunjay, a watermelon farmer from Chhotobond village in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna startled the country with this wonderful innovation. He named the newly invented molasses (locally termed as ‘Gur’) 'Togur,' as it is made from watermelon (locally termed as ‘Tormuj’) juice. Let's find out some information about this new type of molasses.

How the idea of Togur came about

Mrityunjay has been cultivating watermelons since 2019. Besides good yield, he has also been able to make some profits in this period. During the cultivation season, he got some watermelons which are quite small in size. These watermelons, called 'Kats', are almost unsaleable and are left in the field. Most of the time, when they get wet in the rain, they rot and spread a bad smell. Some Kats, however, can be used as food for domestic animals and fish.

Read Yummy sweets for Durga Puja: Traditional Bengali desserts to try in the great religious festival

Suddenly one day it came to Mrityunjaya’s mind that if molasses can be made out of date and palm juice, it is possible for watermelon juice as well! Immediately, he went to the Upazila Agriculture Office to consult. Then along with his wife Mitali, he tried to make molasses with a few Kat watermelons. After making it, he was surprised at the sweet taste of Togur which looks like date molasses.

Preparation method of Togur

The watermelon juice is extracted in the traditional way, strained through a sieve and the clean juice is put on the stove. At one stage the juice thickens and foams on top. The foam is gently removed from the top. After keeping on the stove for a while, the watermelon juice turns into the color of date molasses. Thus, Mrityunjaya and his wife were able to make Togur in a completely indigenous way without the help of any instrument.

Read Cooking Oil: Best and Worst Oil for Health

This molasse made from watermelon juice can be stored for a long time.

Response to Togur in the vicinity

For the first time, Mrityunjay made three kg of Togur and fed it to his neighbors, including the local agriculture official and the member of parliament. He also sold it at BDT 300 per kg. Everyone has appreciated the sweet taste of Togur. Many people want to buy this new type of molasse.

According to the Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer, if Togur is marketed, farmers will get the right price for the fruit. Moreover, production of Togur will prevent wastage of watermelon during its harvesting season.

Read Dark Chocolate: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects

Final Word

In remote areas, palm and date palms are declining, so are the number of juice collectors. As a result, the country's traditional confectionery molasses is under threat.

In this context, Togur will motivate the molasse artisans to make molasses. In addition to this, the success of Togur cultivation and marketing will encourage more watermelon growers to increase their yield. Especially as the salty lands of coastal areas like Khulna are suitable for watermelon, this region can serve as the big share of the raw material of Togur.

Read Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil: Natural Sources, Benefits, Risks