Glad to see you on the blog pages)))
But this is quite understandable - the topic of sweets is topical and painful for me. Like most women, I love sweets, but I absolutely can’t eat it - the body reacts unambiguously negatively.
I suffer and envy while my family is happy to unwrap sweets for tea 😉
Therefore, another article for the same sufferers like me, and for everyone else, it will not be superfluous: “healthy sweets” is a phrase that warms the soul 🙂
Maple syrup often associated with the word "overseas", so for the inhabitants of the countries of the former union it remained a delight for a long time, only relatively recently appeared in our stores, and then, as usual, not in all. Finally, I was able to purchase it (as always thanks to the Internet))).
I bought syrup not only out of curiosity, but also because it turned out to be a natural and healthy product with many healing properties.
Contains a large amount of minerals.
It contains calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, manganese, phosphorus.
Moreover, if you take the same amount of milk and maple syrup, then the calcium content in the syrup will be higher, just as the potassium content is higher in it than in bananas.
Maple syrup is a storehouse of antioxidants.
Including polyphenols, substances that eliminate free radicals, disease resistant prolonging youth.
Contains vitamins.
Of the vitamins in the syrup contains A and C (not in large numbers) and a significant amount of B vitamins, especially thiamine.
Contains phytohormones.
They are useful not only for health, in particular, for the work of the pancreas, but also help us to remain beautiful.
Phytohormones improve skin tone, rejuvenate it, relieve inflammation. Therefore, they are indispensable for the two most difficult skin types - problematic and aging.
And the most important thing for me:
Maple syrup, despite its sweetness, has very little sugar.
There is less sugar in syrup than in honey (I also have a difficult relationship with honey: I respect it, but there is an allergic reaction to it).
And instead of harmful sucrose, the syrup contains dextrose - an easily digestible source of carbohydrates that increases the body's energy reserves. Plus, the syrup has a very low fructose content.
Unlike sugar and sweets, maple syrup does not raise blood sugar levels.
Therefore, it can be used even by diabetic patients.
This product has no contraindications for use, so you can not talk about its harmfulness. Allergy to maple syrup is also very rare, unlike, for example, the same useful product like honey.
The only thing worth paying attention to is the content of a large amount of glucose in the syrup. Therefore, despite all its useful qualities, it is clear that maple syrup should be consumed in moderation - everything that is not in moderation is harmful)
Maple syrup, application
There are many options: they can sweeten cereals, cottage cheese, tea and coffee, it is delicious with pancakes, toast, ice cream. Syrup can be used as a substitute for sugar in baked goods.
But this is all theoretical)) I am writing with what I tried the syrup. At first I bought it to make the cottage cheese sweeter, which I eat in the evening and which, unsweetened and without any additives, is already rather tired. It turned out very well.
The syrup itself is very sweet, but when you add it to the products, the sweetness is lost and it turns out just right.
Added to coffee, which I can not drink without sugar. Pretty good, but not sweet enough for me.
A huge plus of maple syrup is that when heated, it does not lose its properties.
For a long time I did not dare to try it with pancakes, considering the sweetness of the syrup itself, I thought it would be too much, but with pancakes it turned out a wonderful combination, very tasty.
And if in cereals and cottage cheese the peculiar taste of syrup is lost, then with pancakes it turned out fragrant and, for some reason, completely unsweetened.
What I have not tried yet, use it in baking. When cooking, I always strictly and boringly follow the recipe, so I don’t risk guessing how much syrup should be added to replace the indicated amount of sugar. But if you meet interesting recipe maple syrup - I'll definitely try it.
maple syrup flavor
Very specific, very unique. I can say that at first I did not experience much enthusiasm. But then I liked it
It is difficult to compare it with something, the closest thing will probably be honey, which has a bright taste of burnt sugar.
What is maple syrup made from?
Sap is collected from special types of maple - sugar, red or black.
The collection of sap from maples is very similar to the collection of birch sap that we know. It is produced in early spring from late February to early April.
The syrup is obtained by evaporating the juice on large heated surfaces, with no added sugar.
Since juice is 96% water, it takes a lot of time to get the syrup, and the juice itself. It takes an average of 40 liters of juice to make 1 liter of maple syrup.
The one I bought was made from 151 liters of maple sap(!).
In one season, the sugar maple tree produces 1-2 liters of pure syrup.
Which maple syrup to try
It must be said that maple syrup is divided into two types "class A" and "class B".
Grade A is lighter and less concentrated.
Class B is darker, more concentrated and therefore has a deeper taste. Class B syrup is sweeter than A.
Bought both. I didn’t notice much difference in taste, apparently, in order to feel it, you either have to be an expert in maple syrup 😉 or compare two tastes at once.
The first bottle of syrup I bought was from Now Foods, which has been making a wide variety of organic products since 1968. I tried the products, and the vitamins, and the oils that they produce - I was satisfied with everything.
The syrup was no exception, the only thing that this purchase will have to be repeated, since it was not possible to taste it, the jar was the first and, accordingly, most of it went to treat and “try”))
The maple syrup came in a plastic jar, simple and cute in design, like most Now Foods products.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to take photos of the syrup itself.
My rating: 5/5.
Where to buy maple syrup: Now Foods maple syrup.
Price: $12.76.
For the second time, I purchased Class A syrup from Coombs Family Farms. Manufacturer - oldest company in Canada, which has been making maple syrup for seven generations. At the moment, it unites more than two thousand small farms.
This syrup was packaged in an equally charming bottle, but made of glass (the tiny handle carries a purely decorative load))
The syrup is dark amber in color, much thinner than honey in consistency, with a characteristic smell of burnt sugar and a caramel-licorice flavor.
My rating: 5/5.
Where can you buy maple syrup: Coombs Family Farms maple syrup.
Price: $12.62
Both syrups are 100% natural, certified, USDA Organic, non-GMO. After opening, store in the refrigerator.
I wish everyone to regale without consequences for health and figure 🙂
Most people consume a lot of sugar - probably more than they really need. Maple syrup is said to be one of the sweeteners you should use in small amounts and a good alternative to refined (table) sugar when used in moderation.
Similar to the difference between whole grains and refined grains, unrefined natural sweeteners like maple syrup contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than white table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This is why we see many health benefits from eating natural raw honey. When used in appropriate amounts, the benefits of drinking maple syrup may include the ability to reduce inflammation, supply the body with nutrients, and better control of blood sugar levels.
Maple tree syrup, or more specifically, sap, has been used for centuries. In fact, syrup was made from the sap of various maple trees long before the first European settlers arrived in the Americas. Native Americans had theories about the nutritional value of maple syrup even back in those early days, and the sweetener held cultural significance for many aboriginal tribes. They even welcomed the "Sugar Moon" (the first full moon of spring) with the "Maple Dance" and viewed maple sap as a source of energy and nourishment.
What are the health benefits of maple syrup
Compared to refined sugar, which contains absolutely no nutrients, maple syrup contains some important antioxidants and minerals, such as zinc and manganese. When we compare the nutritional value of sugar and maple syrup, we see that they have several common features, but also some things that definitely make maple syrup a more interesting choice.
What makes maple syrup better than regular sugar?
They are both about two-thirds sucrose, but maple syrup provides less sugar and more nutrients. The glycemic index of maple syrup is about 54, compared to the glycemic index of sugar, which is about 70. This means that one of the benefits of drinking maple syrup is that it affects blood sugar a little less dramatically than regular table syrup. sugar. Maple syrup also provides the body with some micronutrients and antioxidants, while sugar contains neither.
Another factor that makes these two sweeteners very different is how they are made. Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. Unlike refined sugar, which is made through a long and complicated process, maple syrup is relatively more natural, unrefined. And, as you probably know, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, like refined sugar, are not natural or healthy foods.
For example, sugar cane stalks and sugar beets are mechanically collected, cleaned, washed, crushed, extracted, squeezed, filtered, cleaned and condensed - all this happens before sugar crystals are obtained from these products!
Nutritional value and composition of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of maple syrup contains approximately:
- 0.7 milligrams of manganese (33% of the Recommended Daily Intake or RDI);
- 0.8 milligrams zinc (6% RDI);
- 13.4 milligrams calcium (1% RDI);
- 40.8 milligrams potassium (1% RDI);
- 0.2 milligram iron (1% RDI);
- 2.8 milligrams magnesium (1% RDI).
Various brands of maple syrup
Depending on the color, there are several different "grades" of maple syrup. The exact way they are classified may vary from country to country.
In the United States, maple syrup is classified as Grade A or Grade B.
- Class A divided into 3 groups: light amber, medium amber and dark amber.
- Class B the darkest of all.
The main difference between the two is that dark syrups are made from juice that is extracted during the harvest season. Darker syrups have a stronger maple flavor and are commonly used in baking or cooking, while lighter syrups are used more like syrups, such as drizzled over pancakes.
Plus, dark varieties of maple syrup contain more antioxidants and nutrients.
If you are going to buy maple syrup, then go for the natural product, as there are maple flavored syrups on the market that may contain refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Benefits of maple syrup
Eating maple syrup in food benefits human health. Here are 9 useful properties this amazing product:
1. Contains many antioxidants
Significant differences have been found in studies comparing the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners and refined sugar-containing foods such as white sugar or corn syrup. Refined sugar, corn syrup, and agave nectar contain minimal antioxidants, but maple syrup, dark and black molasses (molasses), brown sugar, and raw honey show higher antioxidant capacity.
The nutritional value of maple syrup is impressive when it comes to the presence of protective antioxidants. medical journal Pharmaceutical Biology showed that pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants. These antioxidants in the form of phenolic compounds are useful in reducing free radical damage, which can cause inflammation and contribute to various chronic diseases. Choose darker type "B" maple syrups whenever possible, as they contain more beneficial antioxidants than lighter colored syrups.
Some of the major antioxidants found in maple syrup include:
- benzoic acid
- gallic acid
- cinnamic acid
Maple syrup also contains various flavanols, such as:
- catechin
- epicatechin
- routine
- quercetin
While most are found in low concentrations, others are present in high amounts, so it's possible that the beneficial effects of these antioxidants could outweigh the negative effects of the high amounts of sugar present in the syrup.
2. Has a lower glycemic index
Refined sugar and refined carbohydrates are known to be rapidly metabolized by the liver, causing a spike in blood sugar levels and then a rapid decline. Worse, consuming too much sugar quickly raises blood sugar levels and raises insulin levels, which over time can lead to decreased insulin response, blood glucose control problems, and the development of diabetes mellitus.
However, be aware that since eating too much sugar from any source is one of the main causes of some of the most common health problems (such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), even natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, should be used in small amounts. When it comes to treating diabetes naturally, or other sugar-related ailments, it's best to reduce your sugar intake in general and avoid refined sugar in particular.
3. Fights Inflammatory Diseases
Because maple syrup provides the body with inflammation-reducing antioxidant polyphenols, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that helps prevent certain diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or cardiovascular disease. The botanical compounds in maple syrup reduce oxidative stress, which is responsible for faster body aging and a decrease in the strength of our immune system.
4. May Help Protect Against Cancer
5. Helps Protect Skin Health
The use of maple syrup extends to skin health as well. Many people use maple syrup topically, applying it directly to their skin. Like raw honey, maple syrup can help reduce skin inflammation, redness, blemishes and dryness. Combined with raw milk or yogurt, oatmeal and raw honey, this natural blend is applied to the skin as this mask is able to moisturize the skin while reducing bacteria and signs of irritation.
6. An Alternative to Sugar for Better Digestion
Consuming large amounts of refined sugar can contribute to the development of candidiasis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut syndrome, and other disorders digestive system. In fact, one of the biggest steps you can take to heal a leaky gut and autoimmune disease is to cut back on refined sugar and eat a small amount of natural sweeteners.
Most artificial sweeteners also cause dyspeptic symptoms, including flatulence, bloating, colic, and constipation. To keep the digestive tract healthy, protect it from damaging effects chemical substances and sugar, maple syrup can be a much better alternative to add to baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.
7. Provides Important Vitamins and Minerals
Maple syrup, in addition to potassium and calcium, contains zinc and manganese in fairly large quantities. Zinc can help fight disease and improve immunity as it keeps white blood cells down, while manganese plays an important role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, brain and nerve function.
8. Healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners
If you routinely use artificial sweeteners or dangerous refined sugar products like sucralose, agave, aspartame, or sugar, you should consider switching to maple syrup and natural honey as soon as possible. Despite the low calorie content of artificial sweeteners, their consumption is associated with numerous health problems, including:
- weight gain
- fatigue
- anxiety
- learning difficulties
- short term memory loss
- and much more
Many pre-existing conditions can worsen over time due to the constant use of artificial sweeteners. When it comes to losing weight, their consumption can also hinder this process. There is a high chance of developing addiction to artificial sweeteners used in many diets or low-calorie foods because they affect your food cravings and your ability to control hunger and satiety.
Maple syrup is not associated with any of these health issues, plus it induces more satisfaction due to its naturally sweet taste.
9. May Enhance Antibiotic Effects
Antibiotics may seem like a quick and easy solution to a whole host of different ailments, but as new research comes to light, it's getting harder to ignore the dangers and drawbacks of antibiotic use. In the process of suppressing harmful pathogens, antibiotics can also attack healthy cells. Besides, overuse antibiotics leads to the emergence of "superbugs" that no longer respond to antibiotic treatment.
When researcher Natalie Tufenkji and her team tested maple syrup extracts in combination with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and carbenicillin, they observed the same antimicrobial effect but used 90% fewer antibiotics. In other words, the maple syrup extract helped the antibiotics work better. How? The researchers found that the extract increased the permeability of the bacteria, helping the antibiotics to get inside the bacterial cells.
Harm of maple syrup
As previously mentioned, maple syrup can be a good natural sweetener when the serving size is small and consumed in combination with other healthy natural foods. While maple syrup contains some nutrients and more nutritious than white sugar, it still doesn't provide the right amount of important vitamins or minerals compared to other whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins and fats.
Maple syrup can be harmful if you consume it in excess. This can lead to significant spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to hyperglycemia and the development of type 2 diabetes.
As a result, it would be better to think of this product as the best alternative to sugar, but that doesn't mean you should aim to include it in your daily diet. As long as you consume maple syrup in moderation, it shouldn't pose a problem. Just make sure you buy the highest quality on the market and watch your portion size!
History of maple syrup
Maple syrup is one of the oldest sweeteners, having been consumed hundreds of years ago by Native Americans living in North America. Maple syrup was first harvested and used by indigenous people before they introduced it to early European settlers, who quickly improved the technology needed to harvest more of the product.
Thanks to the natural harvesting method and the history of maple syrup as a healthful sweetener, this is another reason why many people today choose maple syrup and natural honey as healthier sweeteners. And even those who follow the paleo diet consume this natural product.
80% of maple syrup today comes from Canada. In the US, the largest production of maple syrup is in Vermont, where it has been produced for hundreds of years. In fact, some of the large maple trees in Vermont that are still harvested for sap are over 200 years old! Most sap maples are about 25-30 cm in diameter and are usually around 40 years old.
How maple syrup is made
What is maple syrup made from? All plants naturally contain sugar, which is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when sunlight comes into contact with the leaves of a plant. Sucrose is the most common type of sugar present in maple syrup (at least 66% of the sugar in natural maple syrup is sucrose).
Sugar synthesized in plants is used as an energy source for their growth and is stored throughout the plant, especially in the roots. In most cases, sugar from the roots, stems and leaves of plants is quite difficult to obtain without some mechanical and chemical process (for example, from sugar cane or beet), but in the case of maple sap, it is quite easy to collect.
Then, when spring comes and the air temperature warms up, pressure builds up inside the trees, causing the sap to flow from the holes into the buckets. The buckets are collected by hand and their contents are drained into large tanks, where some of the water is evaporated and removed to make a more concentrated syrup. And that's it - the process is very simple. A typical "sugar" season lasts 4-6 weeks and it takes 40 liters of maple sap to make 1 liter of maple syrup!
Maple syrup - benefits and harms
How to Buy and Use Natural Maple Syrup
To get all these health benefits of maple syrup, you need to be careful when purchasing it. Many maple syrups sold in stores are mostly imposters or "flavoured" maple syrup sugars that are highly refined. Check the label carefully for third-party ingredients to ensure that the only ingredient in the product is maple syrup and does not contain refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. It's also wise to buy organic maple syrup whenever possible - this ensures that the trees aren't treated with any chemicals.
All types of maple syrup are classified as "Grade A" or "Grade B". Both Grade A and Grade B maple syrups can be good choices as long as they are pure and free of preservatives, artificial colors and flavors. The biggest difference is that Grade B syrups are darker in color and more concentrated, so they are usually used for cooking instead of pouring over food. Some studies also show that Grade B syrup is richer in antioxidants than Grade A maple syrup.
Most store-bought maple syrups are Grade A (the lighter type used to sweeten pancakes). There are also several different types of Grade A syrups that range in color from light to dark amber. The darker the syrup, the later it was collected and the stronger its flavor will be.
When using maple syrup instead of table sugar in baked goods, replace the sugar with the same amount of maple syrup, but reduce the amount of liquid the recipe calls for by about half a cup. In cocktails and other drinks, you can simply replace sugar or agave nectar with maple syrup.
When the hostess bakes pancakes, in addition to them, she usually serves sour cream, jam or liquid honey, and the meal becomes a joy for the sweet tooth. Such a serving is traditional and understandable for us, but, for example, in Canada there is a special sweet that everyone loves without exception and is traditionally served with pancakes, waffles and pancakes - this is maple syrup. The production of such a syrup is not an easy task, but the resulting product has a unique taste and a number of useful properties for humans. We propose to find out how this syrup is prepared and why it is needed at all.
Ingredients of maple syrup
The basis for the preparation of syrup is natural juice extracted from sugar maple, black or red. It is precisely because the listed trees grow mainly in the United States and Canada that the main production of such a product is concentrated there. The distillation of juice occurs in the period from the beginning to the middle of spring, this period is called the time of the “weeping of the plant”, when the alternation of frosts and thaws creates conditions for the formation maximum number juices. The calorie content of the product is 260 kcal per 100 grams.
Syrup is prepared on the principle of fresh juice digestion, during which the volumes of liquids are reduced by about 40 times (the water content in the raw material is 80-85%). The process does not involve chemical components, which makes the final product as useful as possible due to its naturalness. Also, no additional sugar is involved in the preparation. Among the important components of the composition are:
- all B vitamins;
- antioxidants;
- minerals (iron, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, potassium).
50 milliliters of natural syrup contains more calcium than milk and as much potassium as a comparable serving of a banana. The big advantage of such a product is that, unlike other sweets (honey, brown sugar, vegetable stevia), it contains a minimum amount of purine and oxalate substances, so it causes allergic reactions much less often.
Benefits of using syrup
The rich natural composition of the product also determines a wide range of its useful properties. So, among the most important is the ability to reduce blood sugar, which is unusual for sweetness and is especially significant for people suffering from diabetes. This action is due to the inclusion of a large amount of absicic acid in the composition, which stimulates the production of insulin in the body and increases the level of cell sensitivity to it.
A significant content of potassium and zinc is an excellent help for the work of the cardiovascular apparatus. Maple syrup is good at boosting the body's immune defenses, and has also been noted for its benefits for men's health. It is worth noting that scientists have established a relationship between low level zinc in the prostate and the risk of developing cancer, so a man’s diet must necessarily contain the required amount of doses of manganese and zinc, the content of which the product in question can boast of. Not so long ago, scientists from Tokyo discovered the ability of the syrup to positively affect the state of the liver and help cleanse it.
Maple syrup has a third less calories than sugar, for this reason it can be used as a sweetener during a diet. There is also a special diet based on a special drink with lemon juice and maple syrup.
Ways to use syrup in cooking
For many, today it remains a mystery what this syrup is eaten with and how it is generally used in the field of cooking. First of all, it is worth noting that the product has the appearance of a thick, viscous liquid of a pleasant dark amber color, a specific aroma and a sweet taste with an unusual aftertaste. "At home" it is often used as a safe substitute for sugar in baking confectionery.
So, you can use the product as follows:
- an additive to pancakes, waffles, pancakes and other pastries as a substitute for jam or the usual honey;
- dressing for fruit salad or ice cream;
- as a sweetener for drinks, for example, for tea or coffee;
- it can be safely thermally processed, so the syrup can become an ingredient in sauces, meat dishes, vegetable dishes - everything where a sweet note is acceptable;
- for the preparation of lollipops for children;
- as a salad dressing ingredient instead of honey.
There are actually many more options, everything is limited only by personal culinary imagination, because the product itself has no limits in processing options. Due to the properties of the syrup, it can be found in the departments healthy eating. When choosing, you must rely on the following recommendations:
- the color can be of three types: light amber, medium and dark. The lighter the syrup, the more pronounced its aroma. Usually, light syrups are used for fresh consumption, and dark ones are best suited for baking;
- shelf life - up to 4 years;
- the absence of additional components in the form of sugar syrup, dyes, flavors and others;
- Be sure to pay attention to the country of origin.
Opened product must be stored in a refrigerator.
What can replace it in dishes
Maple syrup has a special taste, and it is simply not possible to completely imitate it at the expense of other products. However, if we are talking about its use as a sweetener in a particular dish, then here you can pick up several alternative options, also of natural origin. So, liquid honey (mustard or acacia), gooseberry jam, pears, etc. will do. In fact, nothing much will change, and the dish will turn out as it was intended, whether it be cookies or salad dressing, it will just lack a specific maple note that only a knowledgeable person will recognize.
Possible harm from the use of the product
The product does not pose any particular harm to health, as it is natural and carries many useful substances for the body. However, with individual intolerance, unpleasant symptoms may occur in the form of indigestion, nausea, deterioration in general well-being, and the appearance of skin reactions. Syrup will also be dangerous with severe abuse, however, like any other product.
Worth considering that the geography of maple trees, from which raw materials for syrup are obtained, is rather limited, so the issue of acquiring high-quality and valid natural product is pretty sharp. Some stores may carry a product with this name, but chemical composition- it does more harm than good, and it’s worth it to buy it.
Contraindications
When using high-quality natural syrup for food, there are practically no restrictions. Yes, there is a possibility of allergic reaction due to individual intolerance, however, it is very low, since the product does not belong to the group of strong allergens. Undoubtedly, if there is individual intolerance, then the syrup cannot be used.
Otherwise, there is no need to talk about contraindications and harm. The main thing is to eat it in reasonable quantities, otherwise the risk of weight gain due to calorie content is high.
Video recipe for making syrup at home
Having collected maple sap in season, you can try making syrup at home. Considering that in most varieties of wood there is much less sugar, the final result may differ in consistency. So, following the recommendations from this video, you can create homemade maple syrup, but you should immediately prepare - it will take a lot of time and raw materials.
Who has not tried birch sap at least once in their life? Sweet, fragrant and extremely healthy?
What about maple juice? What about maple syrup? Many have not only not tried these products of nature, but have not even heard of them.
So what exactly is maple syrup? What is maple syrup made from and how?
Like other types of syrups, it is a viscous viscous liquid from light golden to dark - Brown, with a very interesting caramel-sweet taste, reminiscent of wood. By these signs, you can distinguish real syrup from fake.
In general, maple sap syrup is a traditional delicacy of Canadians and Americans, which they generously pour over for breakfast not only fluffy pancakes and waffles, but also meat dishes and vegetable salads.
So what is maple syrup made from in Canada?
Up to 80% of the total world production of this product falls on Canada, and in Canada itself - on the province of Quebec, which is located in the southeast of the country - the distribution area of sugar, black, red and silver maples - the main suppliers of raw materials for the production of syrup - sweet juice.
Juice is harvested in late February - early March when the trees turn "red" from swollen buds. In order to bloom, the buds need intensive nutrition, and maples have been stocking up on starch since autumn, which turns into sugar in early spring under the influence of heat and light. The roots drink water, the sugar dissolves and rises with the water to the young buds. It does not last long - from several days to several weeks - it all depends on the weather.
To collect juice, trees are chosen at least 40 years old with a trunk thickness of more than 20 cm. Small holes are drilled in the trees, into which special tubes with hooks are inserted. Tin buckets are hung on hooks.
How is maple syrup made?
The collected juice is not stored for a long time - a maximum of 48 hours. Therefore, the syrup is prepared right there - as they say, "without leaving the cash register."
Juice is poured into a special container - an evaporator, which is heated to a boiling point - in this way excess water is removed. The process of "thickening" the juice by evaporation lasts about four hours. The amount of evaporation time is strictly technological. This provides the special taste of maple syrup. It should be noted that in Canada, a special state commission monitors the quality of the product.
When the syrup is ready, it is poured into bottles and sent for further processing. In addition to the maple syrup itself - maple syrup of different saturation - they also make in Canada maple honey, sugar, butter and candy.
Canadians send all these products for export with considerable benefit for themselves. Have you guessed why the maple leaf is depicted on the flag of Canada?
In Russia, you can buy Canadian maple syrup in many supermarkets. It is important that the bottle has a maple leaf - a guarantee of Canadian quality, and markings - from A to D, which indicates the saturation of the syrup. The price of such pleasure will be at least 500 rubles. for 200 ml. Although now, given the sanctions and the fall of the ruble, the cost of real Canadian maple syrup has certainly increased. Yes, and you can buy it even at a sky-high price far from everywhere.
So what should a simple Russian person do? Do not deny yourself the desire to eat real Russian pancakes, generously poured with maple syrup?
And what to do? Correctly. Make Russian Maple Syrup.
What is maple syrup made from in Russia?
In our country - Russia - there are about 25 species of maple - holly, Tatar, American, Manchurian, yellow, white, light, green-skinned, field, etc. And from the juice of any of them you can make syrup.
The cooking method is practically no different from the Canadian one, except that in our case it turns out homemade syrup.
Here is the recipe for homemade maple syrup.
Homemade maple syrup.
You will need:
- Norway maple tree, Tatar maple, American maple, or see further down the list - in general, the main thing is that it be a maple tree - the one that you will find where you live.
- Drill.
- Wood drill, d=3/8”.
- Dropper system (sold at any pharmacy).
- A container for collecting WHAT MAPLE SYRUP IS MADE FROM, i.e. - SOKA (ex. plastic bottle, bucket or glass jar).
- Flat boiler.
- Firewood for a fire.
- A jar for ready-made syrup.
Cooking method:
one). Find a maple tree that is at least 40 years old. This can be determined by the diameter of the trunk, which should be at least 25-30 cm.
2). At a height of 30-50 cm from the ground (depending on the height of the container for collecting juice), drill a hole with a drill slightly at an angle for better drainage of the juice. Hole depth - 4 cm.
IMPORTANT! The loss of sap is to a tree what the loss of blood is to a person. Therefore, the trees are chosen as old and thick as possible, and NO MORE THAN ONE hole is drilled, with a diameter of NO MORE THAN ONE centimeter. The number of holes per ONE tree must be NO MORE THAN ONE.
3). Insert the plastic end of the hose into the hole, and lower the other end into a plastic bottle.
4). Pour the collected juice into the cauldron. It must be remembered that to prepare 1 liter of maple syrup, approximately 35-40 liters of juice will be needed. From one tree per day you can get about 2 liters. Therefore, you may need more than one tree, but several.
5). Light a fire. Fix the cauldron over the fire. You will have to evaporate for several hours, because. water in juice - 95-97%.
6). When only syrup remains at the bottom, pour into a prepared jar.
BON APPETIT!
Useful video from a resident of the Tula region - a big fan of making homemade maple syrup.