Pass the “Sirup”

For almost 200 years, the Funk family has been harvesting top-notch maple sirup from the 3,000 maple trees grown on their farm in Shirley. Each year, Funks Grove produces approximately 2,000 gallons of sirup using a time-tested method of boiling down the sap it collects from roughly 7,000 spouts (also known as “taps”). The result is delicious pure maple goodness, a pantry staple that has garnered a loyal support base throughout Illinois and across the country.

And yes, we said “sirup” – this less conventional spelling honors Hazel Funk Holmes, who operated the farm in the 1920s and ’30s. Holmes placed Funk family timber and farmland in a trust to ensure that future generations could continue to enjoy syrup made in Funks Grove. In that trust, she expressed her wish that “sirup” be spelled with an “i.” At the time, this was Webster’s preferred spelling to refer to pure syrup, made with no added sugar. Shop their online store at funkspuremaplesirup.com.

The newest generation of Funks has taken the family legacy into a new arena, growing fruits and grains on the property. Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains, as the offshoot is called, develops and sells preserved fruit products and baking mixes, including muffin and pancake mixes. To learn more, visit funksgrovehfg.com.

Note: This was part of a giveaway that has now concluded. Thank you to those who participated. 

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