Maple Syrup vs Imitations and How to Tell the Difference

We hate to break it to you, but Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth are imposters.

Breakfast syrups in the grocery aisle look pretty similar, but they’re not all created equal.

A giveaway that a product doesnotcontain real maple is that it boasts artificial flavor.

These products arenotfrom a real maple tree.

According to a 2022 nutritional profile, maple syrup is preferred over refined sugar and other natural sweeteners.

How Real Maple Syrup Is Made

Maple syrup-making has ancient roots.

When you consume maple syrup, you are channeling these traditions and supporting the hardworking artisans who sustain them.

The longer sap is boiled, the resultant syrup exhibits a darker color and deeper flavor.

Early in the seasonlate winter to early springcold temperature deters microbial activity, resulting in light-colored syrup.

As spring temperatures rise, microbial activity increases, and the tapped syrup gets darker.

Once a maple tree starts to bud, its sap quality declines and tapping season ends.

Unfortunately, the grading system for maple syrup is counterintuitive and confusing.

Let’s sort it out:

If you’re looking for a more complex syrup, maple syrupisworth the investment.

you’re free to find great maple syrups at accessible prices.

Before you know it, you’ll find yourself using it to glaze grilled fish or flavor mojitos.

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