The sweet side of maple syrup

Maple syrup is the sweet nectar of maple trees. Legend has it that maple syrup was first discovered centuries ago by Native Americans during a time when food was scarce. As the legend goes, they noticed a squirrel drinking “water” from a maple tree, and that squirrel had a lot of energy. They determined that this substance was the source of the squirrel’s good health and began to rely on what would later become maple syrup.

Maple syrup is no longer categorized as a beverage, but there is much to learn about this popular pancake topping. The following facts can shed a little more light on maple syrup.

Quebec Tops Production

According to the travel experts at Trafalgar, most of the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada, notably the province of Quebec. Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup, supplying approximately two-thirds of syrup exports worldwide. Vermont, Ontario, New York and Maine are runners-up in syrup production.

Maple Syrup Has Some Nutritional Value

Although it may seem like a sweetener, maple syrup is rich in the mineral manganese, which promotes healthy bones and connective tissue. Maple syrup also contains riboflavin and calcium.

Perhaps Healthier Than Honey

When stacked up against honey, maple syrup may be the superior sweetener. It has fewer calories per serving, fewer carbohydrates, less sugar, more calcium and a lower glycemic index, according to Maple from Canada. For those concerned about nutrition, maple syrup may be a better option than honey when consumed in moderation.

Maple Syrup Comes in Different Colors

There are four grades of color for maple syrup that also are known as classifications: golden, amber, dark and very dark. The colors develop as the maple harvesting season progresses. Golden syrup is produced from the sap collected at the very beginning of the season. Dark maple syrup is produced later and very dark comes last.

Only Three Trees Give Quality Maple Sap

While there are many different types of maple trees, only the red, black and sugar maple trees provide the maple sap (water) that is required for the production of maple syrup. Frigid temperatures followed by springtime conditions help the sap in these trees to flow. Therefore, maple syrup is produced exclusively in places where these trees thrive.

40:1 Ratio

It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make a single gallon of maple syrup. Often it takes three healthy maple trees to produce that gallon. Is it any wonder that maple syrup is so coveted?

Maple Syrup Stockpile

Because weather plays a key role in maple syrup production, Canada has the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers Strategic Reserve. This reserve stores surplus maple syrup to use when demand exceeds production in the event of a poor harvest.

Maple syrup is a delicious product used in many recipes. It is primarily produced in the northeastern regions of Canada and the U.S., and it inspires many fairs and festivals in these regions.

In New York State, Maple Weekends are scheduled for March 21 and 22 and March 28 and 29. To learn more, head to https://www.mapleweekend.com/