Maple syrup, a product of sap from maple trees is the
quentissential sweet nectar of nature. Used by the north during
the Civil War, maple syrup replaced cane sugar as the sweetener
since cane sugar was, and still is, a product of the southern
region of the United States.
Any native variety of maple tree may be used for collecting sap.
The Black and Sugar Maples are particularly of interest in the
state of Ohio. Sap can also be gathered from red maple (Acer
rubrum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), and Box Elder (Acer
negundo). The optimum male tree reaches maturity for tapping in
40-60 years. This is dependent on the quality of the earth in
which the tree is grown.
Production is centered around the months of February, March,
and April, depending on local weather conditions, and generally
in the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada. The
sap can be collected for syrup production until just before tree
buds begin to expand and should be processed as soon as possible
to produce the highest quality syrup. Grade A This is the
quality used in flavor infused gourmet maple syrups. Grade B
maple syrup, since it has the most pronounced taste, is usually
reserved for cooking and use in processed foods.
Grade A Light Amber, is very light and has a mild, more delicate
maple flavor. It is produced in the earlier part of the season
when the weather is substantially colder. This is the best grade
for making maple candy and maple cream.
Grade A Medium Amber, is a bit darker, and has a bit more maple
flavor. It is the most popular grade of table syrup, and is
usually made after the sugaring season begins to warm, about
mid-season.
Grade A Dark Amber, is darker yet, with a stronger maple flavor.
It is usually made later in the season as the days get longer
and warmer.
Grade B, sometimes called Cooking Syrup, is made late in the
season, and is very dark, with a very strong maple flavor, as
well as some caramel flavor. Although many people use this for
table syrup; because of its strong flavor, it's often used for
cooking, baking, and flavoring in special foods.
Vermont syrup meets or exceeds the standards of quality, purity
and density of all maple producing states and provinces. The
climate and conditions in Vermont are ideal for producing the
best maple syrup in the country.
Maple syrup is an exceptional sweetener alternative for the
health conscious. And may help to support reproductive health
and provides special benefits for men. Maple syrup is not a
commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain measurable
amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines and is an excellent
source of the trace mineral manganese.
Maple syrup and sugar are among the oldest agricultural
commodities produced in the United States. Maple sap and syrup.
Maple syrup flavor must be guarded from sap to store shelf since
they pick up off-flavors easily. This can work in the favor of a
manufacturer who uses this as away to enhance and infuse certain
flavors into their syrup. One such producer, BLiS, Llc.,ages
maple syrup in Jack Daniel casks which produces the most
incredible combination of bourbon and maple syrup flavors.
Vanilla beans are a great source for flavoring also.
Maple syrup is considered by many to be the ultimate natural
product. Stored properly, maple syrup will usually maintain
quality for three to six months. It is a delicious sweetener for
many cooking recipes, especially when infused with the rich
flavors of bourbon and vanilla and is used by top chefs around the
world. It can be a great sweet just for the health of it as it
is a great source for manganese and zinc. The next time you look
pick up a bottle of 100% pure maple syrup remember the history,
the incredible flavor and uses and the health benefits. Enjoy!
About the Author:
Chef Steven Stallard was professionally trained at the CIA,
Greenbrier Hotel & Tailevent Restaurant of Paris. He spent
nearly 20 years advancing his vision of truly American Cuisine
based on naturally sourced ingredients. Chef Steve in President
and owner of BLiS, Llc, - Handcrafted Gourmet and Natural Food
products. BLiS products including Flavor Infused Maple Syrup,
are now available through the company's web site at
BLiS Gourmet
