Pure Maple Syrup

Made solely from the sap of maple trees, pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener known for its wonderfully rich taste and versatile range of use.

The product has become synonymous with Canada and Quebec in particular, the province that produces around 72% of the world’s supply of maple syrup. 

During spring, the sap from maple trees is collected and then boiled to form a thick, deliciously sweet syrup, ready for export all around the world. 

Unlike some other sweeteners and blended syrups with maple flavouring, no chemicals, preservatives or additives are used to produce pure maple syrup.

The different grades of maple syrup

You may be surprised to learn that pure maple syrup comes in four different grades, with each possessing its own distinct colour and flavour. 

As temperatures rise during the maple tapping season, the amount of glucose and fructose in the sap increases, resulting in a darker colour and stronger flavour.

Golden

Made from the sap collected at the very beginning of the season, golden maple syrup has a light colour and is described as having a sweet, delicate flavour. 

Owing to its subtle flavour, golden maple syrup is great for drizzling over yoghurt, ice cream and French toast.

Amber

Amber maple syrup is still relatively light in colour but has a slightly stronger flavour that is recognised as pure and rich.

This grade is especially versatile and can be used in everything from cocktails and hot drinks to savoury dishes and classic desserts.

Dark

Harvested in the second half of the tapping season, dark maple syrup has a more intense colour and taste than the previous grades. 

The grade is great for baking, and its stronger flavour also lends itself to sauces and glazes as well as marinades for meats.

Very dark

Darkest in colour and with a strong, full-bodied flavour, very dark maple syrup is produced at the end of the annual harvest. 

This grade is used in dishes where the flavour needs to be more pronounced, such as doughs and batters for baked creations.

Learn more about the different maple syrup grades and their suggested uses below.

How to store maple syrup

An opened bottle of pure maple syrup can eventually go bad, which is why it’s important to follow proper storage procedures. 

Once opened, a bottle can last for up to 12 months as long as you store it in the fridge – any longer than this and mould may begin to develop. 

A sealed bottle of maple syrup can last several years, though this ultimately depends on the type of container the liquid is stored in. 

Learn more about the recommended steps for storing maple syrup below.

Cooking with maple syrup

Maple syrup is known to most as an accompaniment for pancakes, but there are so many other foods that the sweetener can be used to enhance.

When it comes to baking, maple syrup can be added to doughs and batters for cookies, cakes and other puddings. 

It’s also great for savoury dishes, with the ingredient often used to add a subtle touch of sweetness to sauces, glazes and marinades. 

And maple syrup’s impressive versatility doesn’t stop there – it can also be added to teas, coffees and cocktails. 

Discover dozens of recipes drawing on the natural sweetness of maple syrup below.