Interesting maple syrup info...

[C.Ann]

A friend sent me a very large manila envelope full of assorted recipes today.. Many of the ones containing maple syrup appear to have been torn out of a cookbook, so unfortunately I can't identify the source - but it was pretty interesting and provided some information I wasn't previously aware of.. For anyone else who enjoys maple syrup and/or recipes containing maple syrup, I thought you might find some of this info interesting..
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The Amount Of "Real" Maple Content In Syrups Typically Purchased In The Supermarket:

Golden Griddle 0%
Hungry Jack 0%
Vermont Maid 0%
Mrs. Butterworth's 0%
Log Cabin 2%
Aunt Jemima 3%

I found this interesting as Log Cabin used to sell a "maple" syrup that also contained honey (I can't recall the name of it anymore), but I haven't been able to find it for years.. I really loved that syrup - but had no idea that it contained so little "real" maple..

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Real Maple syrup has nearly the same calcium content as whole milk..

Rich in vitamins B2, B5, B6, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid..
Minerals: Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and iron..
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100% fat free and cholesterol free (same holds true for real maple sugar)

All natural sweetener makes it easier to digest..

No preservatives..
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Calorie Comparisons:

Per tablespoon -
Molasses - 40 calories
Honey - 45 calories
Pure maple syrup - 50 calories
Cane sugar - 52 calories
Corn syrup - 60 calories
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Opened pure maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.. (The syrup won't actually freeze..) Opened syrup should be used within one year..

Unopened: Should be stored in a cool, dry place
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Differences In The Grades:

A - light amber color: mild flavor
A - medium amber: very favorable flavor
A - dark color: rich flavor

Grade B: dark color: robust flavor - very good for cooking and baking..
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Pure maple syrup isn't cheap - by any means - but after reading this, I think I may splurge and get a pint or so of the Grade B to use in baking and some other recipes I have that call for maple syrup..

What type of maple syrup do you all prefer? Has anyone ever had that combo maple/honey syrup back when Log Cabin still sold it? There may not have been much "real" maple in it, but that was some seriously yummy syrup!

 

[LuvOrlando]

My all time favorite is Cracker Barrel which is made with 55% pure maple and 45% pure cane, all natural and no preservatives. It is a little expensive at $8 a bottle but it can be bought on-line and makes a world of difference in everything, not just breakfast treats but on my sweet potatoes too

 

[tvguy]

The Amount Of "Real" Maple Content In Syrups Typically Purchased In The Supermarket:

Golden Griddle 0%
Hungry Jack 0%
Vermont Maid 0%
Mrs. Butterworth's 0%
Log Cabin 2%
Aunt Jemima 3%

Actually, these are all labeled Maple FLAVORED syrup. Real Maple syrup just says Maple Syrup on the label.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I stopped buying the grocery store brands about 10yrs ago. Trader Joes has a few different grades of 100% maple syrup available. I usually get grade B in a decent sized jug and it lasts us a few months.

Much better option than the faux syrups!

 

[Robinrs]

I remember learning about maple syrup back in the old Atkins days and was shocked by the low percentage in most name brands. We started buying the highway robbery type but since we use it so sparingly it's worth it. And it tastes like the syrup my Mom served us when we were kids. I can't eat the other stuff anymore.

 

[J3nn78]

Give me the fake stuff any day. My dad loves the real stuff as does my youngest. We are going to be tapping some of our maple trees and making some of our own this year. More for fun than anything since it takes and insane amount of sap to make a little bit of syrup.

 

[bballmom56]

I won't use anything except 100% real maple syrup. It is expensive, but so worth it! Thanks for the nutrition information - I had no idea it that much calcium and had so much of the other vitamins and minerals. That makes me feel even better .

 

[tiggger1]

Friends of mine have a maple farm and make all their own syrup! I bought there quart of syrup and I am the only one here that likes the real stuff, so it lasted me a year. So I was so excited last year when I won a bottle at a raffle.. Saved me $40.... expensive but SO WORTH IT!!

 

[lucas]

I won't use anything except 100% real maple syrup. It is expensive, but so worth it! Thanks for the nutrition information - I had no idea it that much calcium and had so much of the other vitamins and minerals. That makes me feel even better .

Only 100% real maple syrup for us, too!

Maple Grove Farms of Vermont is a brand we like:
http://maplegrove.stores.yahoo.net/puremaplesyrup1.html

Here is some info on grades from their website:

What is the difference in "Grades"?
Vermont Grade A light, medium and dark amber are considered table grades. Vermont Grade B is a dark, strong flavored maple syrup. Often used in cooking, though some prefer it for table use as well. All are the same density. Lighter maple syrup has a more delicate flavor; darker maple syrup has a more pronounced maple flavor. Medium and dark amber are most widely available. Light amber, used for maple candy and maple cream, is made early in the season; Grade B is made late. Fancy Grade is also made early in the season. It has a light, delicate maple taste which is terrific on ice cream or pancakes.

 

[Belle0101]

The Amish here have started tapping the trees and the next town over should be gearing up for the Annual Maple Syrup Festival soon.

Saturday morning of the festival there's an all-you-can eat sausage and pancake breakfast. They serve freshly made sausage from the local butcher shop and of course, honest to goodness real maple syrup on the pancakes. It's held in the high school gym and the line starts before the doors are open and it's packed the entire morning. So good and so worth it though.

 

[tiggger1]

this is who we use

http://blueheronfarm.com/maple.htm

 

[Handbag Lady]

I recently got the Target brand 100% maple syrup and I really like it.


My mom raised us on homemade maple syrup. I thought that was awesome until I realized it was just water, sugar, and maple flavor boiled together.

 

[lucas]

Now I'm craving maple syrup!

 

[TiggerStac]

I should be making a trip to parkers maple barn in Mason NH to get my syrup! I've run out and haven't been able to get over there to get more...whcih is bad, cuz it's only 15 minutes from my house!

Such a difference!

 

[dislaney]

We made the switch after going to Canada and bringing some home. At first my kids said they didn't like the real stuff- I guess they were used to the fake syrup. Now they all prefer the real stuff.

 

[C.Ann]

I won't use anything except 100% real maple syrup. It is expensive, but so worth it! Thanks for the nutrition information - I had no idea it that much calcium and had so much of the other vitamins and minerals. That makes me feel even better .

I found that to be quite interesting too.. Enough so that I think it may justify the cost - as long as I buy it locally and don't have to pay S&H.. All I would have to figure out is how much I would need as it would only be for myself - and I would likely go with 2 different grades, one for baking and one for my french toast and such..

 

[mtemm]

I should be making a trip to parkers maple barn in Mason NH to get my syrup! I've run out and haven't been able to get over there to get more...whcih is bad, cuz it's only 15 minutes from my house!

Such a difference!

we were just talking about parkers the other day! saying we need to plan a trip up there soon because my guess is they are tapping or will be in the near future. yum!!!!!!

as for real maple syrup, when I moved to new england in college my boyfriend introduced me to the real stuff and I haven't looked back. soooo much better! usually buy at the grocery store or costco. we are lucky that it is sold all over around here, so while expensive, isn't as expensive as some places outside of new england. I usually get a quart for around $17 and it last a good long while. obviously more than the fake stuff, but oh so much better!

 

[bballmom56]

I found that to be quite interesting too.. Enough so that I think it may justify the cost - as long as I buy it locally and don't have to pay S&H.. All I would have to figure out is how much I would need as it would only be for myself - and I would likely go with 2 different grades, one for baking and one for my french toast and such..

I buy the store brand (Shop Rite) of 100% maple syrup, as it is almost always the cheapest (unless one of the name brands is on sale). I think the smallest size they carry is the 8 oz. bottle. Now I have to start looking at the labels for the grades.

 

[mnrose]

Costco has great prices on real maple syrup. 32 ounce container (which lasts us for months...you only need about a tablespoon or less per serving of pancakes/waffles) is $12. Can't beat that price, and it tastes awesome. Totally worth the extra cost...and honestly, way better for you as well.

 

[4nana]

Thx for the interesting facts C.Ann.

Our sweet DSIL2 knows we enjoy Cracker Barrel pancakes w/Maple syrup, so we're very lucky he keeps us supplied in both year around, as he's on the road a lot and comes across lots of Cracker Barrels . 2nd favorite is DH's cousin ocassionally brings us some Maple sryup whenever she visits from Vermont. Don't even get started on Molasses and Honey from Farmer's Market - 2 of DH faves!?!?!?

Guess I know what I'll be cooking for breakfast Sunday morn!?!?!

Costco has great prices on real maple syrup. 32 ounce container (which lasts us for months...you only need about a tablespoon or less per serving of pancakes/waffles) is $12. Can't beat that price, and it tastes awesome. Totally worth the extra cost...and honestly, way better for you as well.

Ditto ~ great taste for reasonable price!