Maple syrup is a sweetener made from the sap of maple trees
and is divided into two major grades, Grade A and Grade B.
Maple sap, as it comes from the tree, is a clear liquid
with a slightly sweet taste. This delicious syrup and sugar
were used during the American Civil War and by
abolitionists in the years prior to the war because most
cane sugar and molasses was produced by Southern slaves.
Sap to produce maple syrup can be collected from any native
species of maple, but in Ohio, sugar and black maples are
the first choice when they are available. Sap can also be
gathered from red maple (Acer rubrum), silver maple (Acer
saccharinum), and Box Elder (Acer negundo). Healthy sugar
and black maple trees growing in overstocked uneven-aged or
even-aged stands can be expected to achieve tapable size in
40 to 60 years, depending on overall site quality.
Production is centered around the months of in 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 process 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 usually made earlier in the
season when the weather is 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. Vermont's maple syrup is 100% natural with
nothing added and the climate and soil conditions are
perfect for producing the best maple syrup.
Maple syrup is a good sweetener to use if you are trying to
protect the health of your heart. 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 100% Pure maple syrup in
old Jack Daniel barrels adding a distinct dimension and
bourbon flavor to their product. 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 uses by top chefs around the world. It is an
excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc,
can also be sweet for your health. 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!
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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 http://www.BLiSgourmet.com
