Types of Maple Syrup

If you've been to your local grocery store, you may have noticed the selection of branded maple syrup products on the shelves. However, what you might not know is that many of these products are not pure maple syrup. That's right, the syrup you pour over your pancakes and waffles is often fake and misleading.

 To ensure you're using real maple syrup, check the ingredients list. If it has just one ingredient - "Pure Maple Syrup" - then you're good to go. If there are numerous ingredients listed like the image to the right, the company is likely passing off a fake product as genuine maple syrup. 

So, how is pure maple syrup made? It comes from maple trees that are 98% water and 2% natural sugar from the inside of the trees. By tapping the trees, sap is produced. This sap is boiled to remove the water and produce pure maple syrup. The syrup gets darker in color as the season progresses. It takes around 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup.

The discovery of maple syrup dates back about 300 years. A Native American tribe threw an axe at a tree, causing sap to flow out. The tribe's wife boiled the liquid and discovered it made a great syrup for cooking. Today, we use maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, and in a variety of dishes.

When it comes to choosing the right grade of pure maple syrup, there are three types to consider:

• Golden: This is the first tap of the season and has a delicate flavor. It's a good option for those who prefer a lighter, less sweet taste.
• Amber: Tapped in the middle of the season, this grade has a rich flavor and is commonly used on pancakes and waffles.
• Dark: This is the last tap of the season and has a robust taste that appeals to those who prefer a more intense flavor. It's usually used for cooking.

So, what do you like to do with maple syrup? And which grade is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!