Whether drizzled over pancakes and waffles or mixed into glazes and marinades, maple syrup is a versatile kitchen staple. Discover a few fascinating maple syrup facts.
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- Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. Sap serves as the tree’s transport system, moving energy and nutrients throughout.
- The sap of maple trees is most abundant and sweetest in late winter.
- The sap from sugar maple trees has the highest amount of sugar, but sap from other maple tree varieties, such as silver, red and box elder, produces a similar taste.
- A tree of 10 to 15 inches in diameter can support a single tap, and 5 to 15 gallons of sap can be collected per tap.
- It takes more than 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
- After the sap is collected, it is boiled to remove the water, making it thicker and sweeter.
- Boiling sap for syrup is a two-step process. The first is done outdoors over a stainless-steel boiler. Once reduced, the sap is boiled on a stovetop until it reaches a sugar content of 67%.
- A sealed bottle of maple syrup stored in a cool, dark place is shelf-stable for up to a year.
- Maple syrup contains minerals including manganese, zinc, calcium and potassium.
- Many maple syrup festivals are held throughout Illinois in February and March.
Sources: Healthline, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Extension
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