WHAT IS MAPLE SYRUP?
Sap
MAPLE SYRUP BEGINS WITH
Depending on the sugar content of the sap, it can take roughly 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
Every spring as they begin growing for a new year, maple trees naturally produce sap that has sugar in it.
Sap from the maple trees, which on average contains about 2% sugar (the rest is water), can be collected by tapping a small hole in the tree trunk. This process, called "tapping", is sustainable and renewable. At the end of each season the tap is pulled out and the tree heals the tapped hole.
Once collected, this sap can be turned into one-of-a-kind pure maple syrup.
Season
The SUGARING
"Sugaring season" lasts, on average, about six weeks.
The time of year that we collect sap is called the "sugaring" season. The season is short, beginning in very late winter when the outside daytime temperature rises above freezing.
The ideal temperature for the sap to flow (which is when you'll hear us use the term, "The sap is running") is below freezing (32 degrees) at night, and above freezing during the day.
When the weather warms and the trees begin to produce leaf buds, each maple tree's previously stored up starch inventory will have been depleted, and the season is over.
Syrup
From Sap to
There is an art to boiling sap into maple syrup. Under-boiling results in syrup that is watery and spoils quickly, while maple syrup that is boiled for too long will crystallize.
PURE VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP must meet strict quality standards and is graded on four characteristics: color, clarity, density, and flavor.
Grades
Maple Syrup
The color and the flavor of the syrup produced changes throughout the sugaring season. Generally, syrup from early season is lighter with more delicate flavors, while syrup from late season is dark with more robust flavors.
Once sap is collected, it's then time to transform it into pure maple syrup.
Our refining process uses both reverse osmosis and evaporation to boil off excess water until the liquid reaches 66.5% sugar content. At this point the resulting liquid is now considered all natural, pure Vermont maple syrup.
The finished product will be barreled, bottled, and sold.
Although the spectrum is immense, the market standard has four distinct 'Grades', or color classes: Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark. Each class has its own unique flavor ranging from delicate to robust. Read more about each class below.
Finally, all syrup is taste-tested to ensure that the flavor meets expectations for maple syrup’s characteristic deliciousness!
Enjoy all of the ways that syrup will delight your table!
Golden Color with Delicate Taste
Also known as "GOLDEN DELICATE"
Usually made at the beginning of the maple season, this syrup was once known and graded as Grade A, or "Fancy". Subtle maple flavor is best appreciated when used on pancakes or waffles or paired with rich dairy items; drizzle this grade of Vermont maple syrup over vanilla ice cream, or try it over Greek yogurt for a low-fat, yet elegant dessert.
AMBER Color with Rich Taste
Purchased as "AMBER RICH"
Usually made about mid-season and is the most popular choice for all-around use. Full of characteristic maple flavor, this syrup is equally as good over waffles as it is in salad dressings, cocktails, or in a maple-sweetened barbecue sauce. If you're only going to have one grade of Vermont maple syrup in your kitchen, make it Amber Color with Rich Taste.
Dark Color with Robust Taste
Also known as "DARK"
As the maple season progresses, the syrup darkens in color and develops a more robust maple flavor. Good for all around use, its hearty flavor is a great choice for all kinds of recipes. Pour over baked apples or squash, use as a glaze for meats and vegetables, or sweeten baked goods. This grade pairs well with smoky and spicy flavors like chipotle peppers, sriracha, or bourbon.
Not sure which flavor to try?
Enjoy!
Maple syrup is high in antioxidants and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. More info
Keep scrolling to learn more about different maple syrup classes and flavor. If you still can't decide what you might enjoy most, purchase a sampler and try one of each! (sampler currently unavailable)
This sap is a clear, water-like substance that flows throughout the tree, transporting minerals and nutrients.
Syrup
By
Class
From dripping over your pancakes at breakfast to pulled pork Maple BBQ... Try it! And be sure to let us know your favorite flavor and favorite use for our Vermont maple syrup products.