About Pure Maple Syrup

From tap to table, the maple syrup process is truly fascinating, if not magical. We have written a collection of articles about maple syrup, how to store it, and how it is made. We hope you enjoy the information and learn to love pure maple syrup as much as we do.

Flavors of Pure Maple Syrup

FLAVORS OF PURE MAPLE SYRUP ~ Whether it is floral notes, a butterscotch bouquet, or a hint of chocolate, the flavors of pure unadulterated maple syrup are a delight for the senses.

MAPLE SYRUP GRADES ~ Maple syrup grades are based on color and flavor. The sugar content is always the same in the finished product, but they can look quite different from each other.

FANCY MAPLE SYRUP ~ Prior to 2015, Golden & Delicate maple syrup was officially known as Vermont Fancy. To this day, any old-time Vermonter will call the lightest of syrups "Fancy". 

VERY DARK MAPLE SYRUP ~ Once shunned as not good enough to serve as table syrup, the darkest of syrups has grown in popularity due to its strong maple flavor.

Storing Maple Syrup

HOW TO STORE MAPLE SYRUP ~ To store maple syrup properly, refrigerate or freeze it after opening. And it should always be stored in glass to preserve the color and flavor.

WHY USE GLASS BOTTLES FOR MAPLE SYRUP? ~ Almost all maple syrup is sold in plastic jugs. However, glass is by far the best option to preserve the flavor and color of maple syrup. 

The Maple Sugarbush

TAPPING MAPLE TREES ~ This is why you should only put one tap per maple tree and not bother tapping the smallest maple trees. This will increase per tap yield and is kinder to the trees.

NATURAL VACUUM TO INCREASE SAP FLOW ~ These systems use the weight of the maple sap to create a vacuum at each tap hole which helps to pull the sap out of the trees.

BIRD FRIENDLY MAPLE SYRUP ~ Audubon Vermont’s Bird-Friendly Maple Project encourages the management of maple sugarbushes to create a diverse forest that improves habitat for songbirds.

Making Maple Syrup

WOOD-FIRED MAPLE SYRUP ~ The term wood-fired maple syrup does not refer to an imparted flavor. Instead, it denotes the type of fuel used to create the fire that boils the maple sap.

HOW MUCH SAP DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO MAKE MAPLE SYRUP?  ~ It can take anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons of raw maple sap to make one gallon of pure maple syrup.

SWEETENING THE PAN ~ Maple sugarmakers use the term “sweetening the pan” to describe what happens during the year's first boiling of the raw maple sap.

REVERSE OSMOSIS AND THE MAPLE SYRUP INDUSTRY ~ The traditional method to make maple syrup is to boil the sap. But modern technology does it with with pumps and filters.

LIQUID GOLD? HOW MUCH DO MAPLE FARMERS REALLY GET PAID?  ~ The markets for maple syrup are BULK, WHOLESALE and RETAIL. Small family farms struggle to compete.