maple syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. When temperatures fluctuate around freezing, the sap flows in the trees. This sap is collected and then boiled to evaporate water, leaving behind a concentrated, amber-colored syrup with a rich, sweet flavor. The process typically takes several hours and requires large quantities of sap—about 40 gallons—to produce one gallon of syrup. Maple syrup is valued for its distinctive taste, natural origin, and mineral content, making it a popular accompaniment for breakfast foods like pancakes and waffles.