What is maple syrup for? How maple syrup is made and what is useful. Substitute for maple syrup

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 a few things in common, 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 benefits of 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. Similar to 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 it can hydrate 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 digestive disorders. 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 your digestive tract healthy and protected from the damaging effects of chemicals 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 number of different ailments, but as new research results become public, it's becoming harder to ignore the dangers and drawbacks of antibiotic use. In the process of suppressing harmful pathogens, antibiotics can also attack healthy cells. In addition, the overuse of 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 combined with other healthy natural foods. While maple syrup contains some nutrients and is more beneficial than white sugar, it still does not provide the body with the proper amount of important vitamins or minerals compared to other whole foods such as 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!

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 taste 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.

Fragrant syrup, made from the sap of different varieties of maples, is served with all the most delicious: pancakes and ice cream, waffles and toasts. It can also be used in these delicious recipes.

Maple syrup- a traditional Canadian treat is made by boiling maple sap from sugar and black maples. From one maple, processed at the right time of the year (late winter, early spring), about 4 liters of juice are obtained. Moreover, it does not harm the tree. This has long been known to the American Indians, who used their method to extract maple syrup from maples.

To collect juice on the trunk, at a height of about 20-30 cm from the ground, an incision is made into which tubes are inserted leading to the vessels, where the juice, called apiary, flows. To obtain sweet maple syrup or sugar, which contains more useful dextrose and trace elements instead of sucrose, the juice is thickened by evaporation.

Maple syrup does not contain any preservatives, colors or flavors. Unlike regular white sugar, which loses all of its nutrients during processing, maple syrup retains potassium, calcium, and iron. Plus, it's 100% fat free.

Maple syrup- an obligatory component of many dishes of Canadian and American cuisine. It has a very pleasant aroma and taste, and is best served with waffles, ice cream,

it is very tasty to flavor their muesli and serve porridge. It's delicious to make maple milk by mixing 1 cup of cold milk with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.

But due to the complexity of the preparation process and since 40 liters of juice are needed to obtain 4 liters of syrup, the syrup is very expensive and many fakes can be found. For example, they sell cheap corn syrup with a minimal addition of maple syrup for flavor. Of course, it can't compare to real maple syrup. Therefore, you should only buy syrup that bears a golden maple leaf, a quality mark and a guarantee that it was produced in North America.

Maple baked apples

Preheat the oven to 170 gr C. Cut the core of 6 apples. Put them in a ceramic baking dish. Mix together 6 tbsp raisins, 6 tbsp chopped walnuts and 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Fill each hole with 2 tablespoons of the mixture. Mix 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1 cup water and pour over apples. Bake 30 minutes until soft. Drizzle apples with maple sauce occasionally. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Cream maple fondue

Heat 100 ml pure maple syrup in a saucepan for 5 minutes. In a bowl, mix 2 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp cream. Bring 600 ml of cream to a boil and add maple syrup. Mix the mixture with starch with syrup. Heat slowly, stirring, until thickened. Serve fondue in a small saucepan on a spirit stove.

Toasted maple walnuts

Coarsely chop the walnuts and soak them in maple syrup. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 180 degrees C for 20 minutes. Let cool before serving.
maple cookie
Sift 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 4 tsp baking powder. Add 4 tbsp margarine and stir. Add 1/2 tbsp milk to make a soft dough. Roll out or knead the dough with your fingers to a thickness of 1 cm. Cut out with a cookie cutter and spread with softened butter mixed with maple syrup and cinnamon. Bake at 200 gr C for 15 minutes.

Fruit with sherry and maple syrup

In a bowl, combine 4 cups of peeled and chopped assorted fruits, pour over a mixture of 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 orange juice and 2 tbsp dry sherry. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve with cream whipped with maple syrup.

Chicken baked in maple syrup e

Mix 200g peeled pecans, 75g maple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon and salt with 1 tbsp water, place on parchment and bake at 200g C/400F/Gas 6 for 15 minutes. Bake a gutted chicken, weighing 2 kg, for 1.5 hours, and for the last 30 minutes of baking, coat the chicken with a nut mixture and sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of maple syrup. Serve with baked potatoes and onions, small sausages and sauce.

Spicy Pears with Maple Syrup

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Insert cloves into 6 whole pears, peeled, put them on their side in a baking dish. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and sprinkle with 8 crushed cardamom pods. Slowly heat 300 ml of white wine with 90 ml of maple syrup and 1 tbsp of sugar until the sugar dissolves, pour over the pears so that they are half covered with liquid. Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, basting with juices. Before serving, remove cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.

Apple muffins with maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 170 gr C. Beat 2 eggs with 100 g of butter. Add 225 ml of maple syrup and 325 g of peeled and finely chopped apples, mix. Sift into a bowl 675 g flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg. Mix. Divide among 12 cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Glazed maple carrots

Cut 8 pcs carrots into cubes. Boil until soft. Melt 3 tablespoons butter, add 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon ginger. Stew carrots in syrup.

Chicken Breasts with Maple Mustard Sauce

In a frying pan, fry 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, boned in seasoned flour until golden brown. Take out the chicken, and add 100 g of chopped champignons and 1 chopped green onion to the pan, fry quickly. Add 100 g of heavy cream, 3 tbsp. maple syrup and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir and cook until the cream has reduced by half. Serve with chicken breasts.

Maple syrup is a useful product (see photo), obtained from the natural juice of red, black or sugar maple. Currently, they are actively replacing sugar, since this syrup is very sweet in taste. It also has an amber color and a thick transparent consistency. That is why processed maple sap is very similar to bee honey. Despite the fact that maple syrup is native to North America, it is appreciated all over the world.

This type of syrup is obtained by evaporating natural maple sap, which is usually obtained in early spring. At this time of the year, holes are made in maple trees by sap collectors. Tubes are introduced into them, through which the maple liquid gradually passes into a pre-prepared container. Then the extracted juice is sent for processing, during which it is evaporated until the syrup becomes thick. Maple sap is eighty percent water and usually takes at least two hours to evaporate. Forty liters of maple sap can only produce one liter of amber syrup. However, given that maple trees are not damaged when collecting maple liquid, it is possible to extract raw materials for making syrup from one trunk annually.

How to choose and store maple syrup?

Not many people know how to choose and store maple syrup correctly. We offer right now to figure out how to distinguish real maple syrup from imitation.

First of all, you should always focus on the consistency of maple syrup. The liquid must be only transparent or translucent. If the liquid is cloudy, the product is not worth buying. In addition, it is imperative to consider the label of the container that contains the syrup. It must indicate the country supplying the product, as well as the name of the manufacturer. There should also be a golden maple leaf on the syrup container. This is a Canadian label that certifies the authenticity of maple syrup.

In addition, real syrup, made from natural maple sap, will never be cheap. As mentioned earlier, out of forty liters of maple sap, only one liter of syrup can be obtained. This explains the high cost of this product. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that a light woody note must be present in the taste of real maple syrup. If it's just sweet, then it's probably fake, made with artificial maple essence and corn syrup.

Maple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. In the latter case, the product must be kept exclusively in hermetically sealed containers. After unpacking, maple syrup is recommended to be poured into a glass or plastic container and sent to a cool room for storage. Under all conditions, the shelf life of this product can reach three years.

How to cook with your own hands at home?

To make maple syrup with your own hands at home, you will need to be patient in advance. The process of preparing this product is quite lengthy, and that is why, first of all, it requires patience. First of all, natural maple sap is extracted. To do this, you need to wait for the arrival of spring to look after a large and healthy maple. From diseased trees, as well as from those trees on which buds began to bloom, it is not recommended to extract juice. After the maple trunk is selected, small cuts are made in it, the depth of which should not be more than eight centimeters. Special iron spouts are introduced into the drilled places, and tubes are already inserted into them. From one hole in a maple, you can collect up to three liters of juice in one day.

The collected raw materials must be immediately sent for processing. First, the juice must be filtered, as it may contain remains of bark or other rubbish. Then the product is poured into a wide container with a non-stick coating and put on fire for evaporation. This usually takes several hours. Note! If you evaporate homemade syrup for a long time, then it will turn out to be too thick and in the future it will simply become sugary. If the product is made too rare, then it will have a short shelf life. In addition, it is recommended to boil the juice outside, since during the boiling process, sweet steam evaporates, which subsequently settles on objects in the room and makes them sticky. The finished syrup cools down a little, is distributed into jars and hermetically sealed.

Application

The use of maple syrup is widespread in America and Canada. In these parts of the world, processed maple sap is very commonly used for culinary and cosmetic purposes. There are many ways to use this product, and you will learn about them right now!

In cooking

In cooking, maple syrup is used very extensively. Its sweet taste and pleasant smell are in perfect harmony with pastries, fruits, meat and even fish. That is why there are many different dishes that include this versatile product. If you do not know how to use maple syrup for culinary purposes, then be sure to take a look at the table below. It offers very tasty and at the same time incredibly simple recipes using this product.

In addition, various puffs, buns, cocktails and even cakes are prepared with maple syrup. All desserts, which include this product, have a unique taste and aroma.

Often processed maple sap is used as a sweet sauce. They are poured over pancakes, pancakes and various cakes. Due to the fact that the calorie content of this product is low, many of them also replace sugar. It is added to tea, coffee and other hot drinks.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, maple syrup literally works wonders. This product has regenerative properties and is able to make the skin perfect and the hair luxurious. Today it is absolutely not necessary to buy professional masks, balms to give the body beauty. You can perfectly do with homemade cosmetics, which are very easy to create with your own hands exclusively from natural ingredients. In the table below, you can find recipes for the best cosmetics, in which maple syrup is an indispensable component.

Another benefit of maple syrup is that it can be used as a weight loss aid. In this case, it is required to adhere to a special diet, which was invented in the 20th century by the American folk healer Stanley Burroughs. So, to get rid of extra pounds, you need to prepare a special cocktail, which should include half a glass of purified water, a pinch of crushed red pepper and two tablespoons of real maple syrup and natural lemon juice. You just need to mix these components, and you need to use the finished cocktail every morning for five days. Please note: if you follow this maple diet, meat must be excluded from the daily diet!

What to replace?

What can replace maple syrup? - this question often worries those people for whom this product is not suitable for some reason, but they really want to cook something original and tasty. So, if you cook dishes that do not need to be subjected to high heat treatment, then you can replace maple syrup with ordinary honey or agave syrup.

As for baking, maple syrup is replaced by carob syrup and any jam. With these substitutes, pies and buns come out no less tasty and healthy.

If you are preparing a marinade for meat, then you can use Narsharab pomegranate sauce as a substitute. It will enrich meat dishes with an unusually pleasant sourness and a very appetizing burgundy hue.

Useful properties, harm and contraindications

You can talk about the beneficial properties of maple syrup for a very long time. This product includes many different antioxidants and vital chemical elements (potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, etc.). Another natural maple syrup is rich in B vitamins, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the human body.

It has been scientifically proven that boiled maple sap can be consumed in the following cases:

• for the treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• to strengthen immunity;
• to increase potency;
• for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

The great thing is that processed maple sap contains virtually no compounds such as oxalates and purines. This indicates that this product cannot cause allergies.

Maple syrup can harm the body only if consumed in unlimited quantities. This is due to the fact that this product contains quite a lot of glucose. In diabetes, maple syrup is recommended to drink with caution.

The only contraindication of this healthy sweet sauce is its individual intolerance.

Maple syrup is a very tasty product that is useful for both an adult and a child. In the latter case, the amount of syrup consumed per day must be limited. Give children no more than three tablespoons of this product per day.

Description

Many of us became aware of maple syrup thanks to Hollywood movies. Each hero of such a film, ordering pancakes or pancakes, receives a dish generously poured with maple syrup.

Maple syrup is the juice of deciduous trees, which, as a result of preliminary evaporation, acquires a thick consistency. Sap is obtained from the following trees, which are representatives of the Sapindaceae family: black maple, sugar maple and red maple. Maples of these species can grow up to 30 meters in height, and in diameter can reach over a meter. Maples are native to North America.

Long before the discovery of America by the inhabitants of Europe, North American Indians prepared various drinks, syrups and sugar from refreshing maple sap. This juice was appreciated by the first European settlers, who adopted from the natives the method of its processing and extraction.

After many years, the process of obtaining syrup has not changed much. During the period of activation of vital forces in the trees, which occurs in early spring, the juice acquires especially useful and tasty properties. Then the sap collectors make small holes in the tree trunks, not exceeding 5 cm in depth. Tubes or troughs are inserted into the holes through which the liquid can drain into special containers. The collected liquid is subjected to evaporation until the required concentration is obtained - this may take several hours. For a liter of ready-made syrup, 40 liters of fresh juice must be collected and processed. It is noteworthy that the collection of sap does not harm the trees and it can be collected for many years from one trunk.

Maple sap extraction is especially developed in Canada. The sugar maple is ubiquitous here and has become a national symbol – a stylized image of a maple leaf is placed on the state flag of this country. The main production of maple syrup is located in the province of Quebec.

Maple syrup is a translucent or clear liquid. It is fragrant, very thick and viscous, its consistency is like fresh amber honey of various shades. The most flavorful maple syrup is dark amber in color and is harvested late in the season. Boiling down the syrup at various stages produces products such as maple sugar, honey and butter.

Maple syrup has been widely used in national American and Canadian cuisine. Here it is served as a sweet addition to ice cream, pancakes, pancakes and waffles. Often maple syrup is an ingredient in vegetable and meat dishes, pastries, sauces and desserts. It is used as a natural sugar substitute in baking confectionery.

During maple syrup harvesting season, Quebec holds a festival called the Sugar Hut. The holiday takes place in the forest near the plots where maple sap is collected. On the festive table you can find traditional dishes with fresh syrup: beer brewed in maple syrup, ham baked in syrup, an omelet generously poured with maple syrup, beans baked in the oven with brisket and ham in maple sweet sauce. For children, caramels are prepared in their presence: with the help of a spoon, hot syrup is poured into a pan with pure snow, then, until the syrup has cooled, it is wound on sticks. As a result, lollipops are obtained, which can be compared with our "cockerels".

What is maple syrup

Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from maple sap. This is a traditional Canadian sweet sauce. The fact is that it is in this country that most of these trees grow. In addition, there are maples in some states of the United States of America.

Maple syrup is usually consumed with pancakes, hash browns and other baked goods. Also, this ingredient is added to various desserts and other dishes. The syrup tastes like regular sugar syrup, but has a light and pleasant aftertaste of wood. Color can vary from amber to light brown.

Story

Maple sap production is most developed in Canada, where sugar maple grows in forests everywhere. It even became a national symbol: the image of a maple leaf can be seen on the national flag of the country. Quebec is the main producer of syrup.

The tradition of collecting maple sap to the current inhabitants of Quebec came from the Indians, who many years ago noticed the miraculous benefits of maple syrup and developed recipes for its manufacture over several generations.

There are many traditions associated with collecting maple sap. So, for example, with the beginning of the gathering season, the inhabitants of local villages arrange a Seeing off of winter. This holiday is called “Boar-a-sucre”, and translated from French means “Sugar hut”. In the immediate vicinity of maple sap collection sites, residents set up temporary houses and tables for guests, install equipment for making various sweets using sap. This holiday is very revered by the locals. Children love to eat treats with maple syrup: pancakes with peasant butter and syrup, forest snow drenched in a sweet delicious liquid, maple caramels made right there, right in front of people. And adults prefer more meat dishes, which are also cooked right on the spot - ham with cloves baked in maple syrup, beans with ham and brisket in sweet maple sauce and, of course, country beer made on the basis of maple juice.

It is also interesting that, despite the development of technologies that allow automating almost all processes in the food industry, the collection of juice and the preparation of maple syrup is still carried out exclusively by hand today. This gives it a special and unique taste, and dishes prepared with its addition - a unique charm.

In many ways, the process of extracting maple sap is similar to obtaining birch sap. A special diagonal cut is made on maple, into which a stainless steel gutter is inserted. The collected juice goes to special "distillation" stations installed right in the forest. Here it is boiled over an open fire, evaporating, resulting in the purest maple syrup. To get one liter of syrup, you need to evaporate about forty liters of maple sap! Of course, this greatly increases the cost of the final product. But what joy gives the locals watching the cooking process!

But the processing and storage of this valuable product is entrusted to the most modern technologies. All enterprises engaged in the extraction of maple sap and the production of syrup must comply with the most stringent quality standards and regularly undergo state inspections.

Today, one of the most famous companies involved in the collection and processing of maple sap is the Quebec cooperative Citadel, which unites about three thousand independent juice collectors. The company was founded in 1925, and most of its members are hereditary juice collectors who inherited this occupation from their great-grandfathers and fathers. Thanks to this, the company supplies the market with the highest quality products, which is a recognized leader.

Application of maple syrup

Maple syrup and products made from it (butter, sugar, jam) have become widespread in many countries of the world. Chefs of expensive and prestigious restaurants in Canada, the USA, Japan, France and other countries prepare the most exquisite dishes, of which this product is an integral component. These dishes are very popular, and many of them can be prepared at home. The syrup is served with pancakes, waffles, pancakes, ice cream. As an ingredient, it is used in meat dishes, pastries, desserts, sauces. The use of maple syrup has become widespread in the baking and confectionery industry as a natural alternative to sugar.

How maple syrup is made

What is maple syrup made from? Real natural syrup contains only maple sap and nothing else. The recipe is quite simple, but some equipment is required to get the juice:

• drill;
• tubes for draining juice from the trunk or corners;
• collection vessels;
• flat fire-resistant and heat-resistant container for evaporating moisture.

Juice is collected at a certain time, namely in the spring (approximately from March to April). But at night the air temperature should drop below zero, and during the day it should be positive. It is at this time that the juice becomes sweet and saturated, as it actively circulates along the trunk due to temperature changes. And March is considered a particularly successful month, it is called the month of “crying of maples”. If you collect the juice later, it will not be sweet.

It is important to choose the right tree. In general, juice is available in almost all maples, but sugar and black maples give the sweetest juice. But not all trees are suitable. So, young give juice with a small amount of sugar. The optimal age of the tree is 20-40 years. The diameter of the tree trunk is longer to be at least 20-25 centimeters. Sick or weakened trees are not suitable for collection.

Remember that it takes about 30-40 liters of juice to get 1 liter of syrup. It takes a lot of time to collect the juice, which is why the syrup is not cheap. After collection, evaporation is carried out. By the way, the juice contains about 96% water, so the evaporation process is very long.

Now the main steps for making syrup:

• First, they look for a suitable tree and use a drill to make a hole in it with a diameter of about 1.5 centimeters and a depth of 5-10 centimeters.
• Then a tube is inserted into the hole and its other end is taken into the collection vessel. But instead, you can put a metal corner in the hole and hang a bucket on it.
• Now you will have to wait.
• When the required amount of juice is collected, you can start evaporating it. Prepare a capacious container, for example, a saucepan. But in industrial conditions, special heating installations are used.
• The juice is evaporated until it acquires the desired consistency, that is, it thickens. Density is checked using special devices - hydrometers. Too thin syrup will be tasteless, and thick syrup can be sugared.
• After evaporation, the syrup is filtered.

How to choose a real syrup?

1. Taste qualities: the syrup does not have a specific color, it can be either light honey or dark amber. The darker the syrup, the richer and more tart its taste.
2. This product is manufactured in Canada. US production is unlikely to reach Russia. A distinctive feature of real syrup is a small maple leaf on the label.
3. A volume of 200-250 ml cannot cost less than 400 rubles (with the exception of special promotions and discounts in markets).
4. The product must not contain sediment. It can have different shades of amber, but a prerequisite is transparency.

You can store the closed syrup in a dark place. An open bottle is best kept in the refrigerator.

Benefits of maple syrup

Maple syrup is very healthy. Here are some of its properties:

• The composition includes antioxidant substances, which, firstly, slow down the aging process of body tissues, and secondly, prevent the development of cancer.
• Maple syrup helps strengthen the immune system and protects against colds and infectious diseases.
• This product is useful for the cardiovascular system, as it strengthens blood vessels and makes their walls more elastic, protecting against atherosclerosis, and also nourishes and strengthens the heart muscle.
• Maple syrup is good for the reproductive system, both for women and for men. In men, potency increases, and women will be able to increase the chances of successful conception.
• If you use the product in moderation, you can prevent the development of such a serious disease as diabetes. But people already suffering from this disease should limit the use of syrup.
• Maple syrup is a great source of energy. The carbohydrates contained here are completely absorbed by the body and spent on energy production, and do not go “in reserve”, turning into extra pounds.
• This product helps cleanse the liver and significantly improve its functioning.
• The substances included in the composition have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas and, therefore, improve blood circulation.
• Maple syrup has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic effects, so it is useful for inflammatory diseases.

Dessert Antioxidants

Manganese is an important cofactor for many human enzymes. It is involved in the body's antioxidant defense against free radicals and in energy production. It is necessary for the activity of superoxide dismutase, which resists oxidative stress in almost all cells of the body that come into contact with oxygen.

Please note that just one tablespoon of syrup contains more than 20% of the daily value of manganese.

Diabetic Benefits

According to United Press International (UPI), maple syrup may be important in lowering blood glucose levels.

This sweet food contains significant concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), a chemical that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas and increases insulin sensitivity in fat cells. It turns out that maple syrup in the future can become a very effective cure for diabetes.

Dear heart syrup

Maple syrup can be quite effective against progressive atherosclerosis due to its high concentration of zinc. This mineral is essential for the health of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) and protection against the damaging effects of oxidized fats, particularly cholesterol.

Studies by scientists from the Department of Medicine and the University of Turku (Finland) have shown that the endothelium is prone to damage in zinc deficiency.

Maple sap syrup can provide another heart-healthy service by supplying the body with manganese and several other minerals that affect the level of “bad” and “good” cholesterol in the blood.

Sweet help to immunity

Zinc and manganese are important for more than just protecting against free radicals and naturally cleansing blood vessels. These are reliable allies of our immune system.

Scientists have drawn attention to the relationship between deficiency of zinc and its derivatives and the number of different types of white blood cells in children, including T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and B-cells.

It turned out that the lack of zinc in the children's body led to a decrease in the number of leukocytes and the effectiveness of the immune response. Whereas the introduction of additional doses of the indicated mineral into the diet brought immunity back to normal.

Natural sources of manganese, such as maple syrup, are very healthy. Manganese is not only a component of antioxidant defense, but also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and a good immune stimulant.

For men's health

Among the many benefits of maple syrup, there is another one that is extremely important for the reproductive health of men. Low levels of zinc in the prostate increase the risk of developing cancer. This mineral is often used by European therapists to reduce the size of this important gland.

Therefore, the diet of every man should contain high doses of zinc, as well as manganese, which is a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol and a participant in the production of sex hormones.

Harm of maple syrup

Such a natural product as maple syrup can practically not cause harm to health. And yet, you should not abuse it, since it contains a fairly large amount of glucose.

How to store maple syrup

It is best to store the syrup in a cool and dark place.

maple syrup cost

The price of maple syrup varies between 300-700 rubles per 250 ml.

What to use with maple syrup

Maple syrup goes great with baked goods like pancakes, hash browns, muffins, and more. Tea with syrup is also delicious. It can also be added to desserts.

Try the maple syrup if you haven't tried it yet.

Composition and useful properties

Maple syrup is produced without the use of chemical components, it is a natural product. It contains no fillers or preservatives. The syrup is rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus and potassium. It contains all the representatives of vitamins from group B, including the rather rare thiamine. Maple syrup contains many antioxidants, among which you can find polyphenols, the action of which is aimed at combating cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is a natural immunostimulant that enhances potency, prevents the progression of atherosclerosis and reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes. Maple syrup can be found in foods that are recommended for a healthy diet. It is a good alternative to jams, sugar and preserves.

Harm and contraindications

Maple syrup contains a high amount of glucose, so this product should be consumed in moderation.

Today, maple syrup has gained fame as a natural sugar substitute. Bottles with a sweet brown liquid can be found in any kitchen of adherents of a healthy diet and those who seek to get rid of extra pounds. This sticky product is believed to provide the body with vital elements and help to be healthy. Is this really so, and is the maple additive shown to everyone, let's figure it out together.

What is maple syrup

Maple syrup is a sticky, sweet substance made from the sap of certain maple trees. Such trees are not at all uncommon and are found on many continents. But, despite this, Canada manages to maintain leadership in the world food market for centuries.

About 80 percent of all inherent goods are produced in this country. It just so happened historically that Canadians have this traditional delicacy. No wonder the maple leaf is depicted on the Canadian flag.

Did you know? It is known that maple syrup was popular with the Indians even before Christopher Columbus discovered America. Although the first written mention of this delicacy dates back to 1760. They are talking about marvelous Canadian maples, the juice of which is suitable for obtaining edible sugar.

Appearance and taste

You can buy maple syrup today in specialized stores or order it through the Network from distributors. You can also make it yourself.

• density;
• transparent or translucent consistency (similar to honey);
• ductility;
• a wide range of amber shades (from light yellow to dark red);
• pleasant aroma.

The taste of this woody product is very sweet, so it is widely used in cooking. The liquid is suitable for baking pancakes, waffles, cornbread, gingerbread, as well as for making ice cream and other desserts. Authentic syrup has a specific woody flavor.

How maple syrup is made

Both in industry and at home, maple syrup is made in several stages. The first involves the collection of raw materials, which is carried out by drilling the trunks of sugar, holly, red and black maples. And the second involves evaporating the juice to a certain density.

Important! The color of maple syrup depends on the time of harvest. The later this happens, the richer the color will be. As a rule, these are variations of purple and brown shades. It is believed that such a product has a more concentrated aroma and rich taste.

The manufacturing technology of genuine syrup is very close to that of coconut sugar. Tree sap flows through numerous tubes, which are fixed on the maple trunk, into a special container. Then the liquid is poured into clean containers and simmered over low heat until a honey consistency is obtained.

If the raw materials are overexposed, maple sugar can turn out. In cooking, it is customary to use dark varieties of syrup for dishes whose preparation requires heat treatment. And light ones are served with desserts in a “raw” form. Unfortunately, there are many fakes on sale that have nothing to do with maple. They are made from fructose and regular sugar. And for masking add maple flavoring. Therefore, you should be careful when buying such products.

The composition of the syrup

Despite the popularity of this herbal product, there are very opposite opinions about its benefits. Some argue that this is an excellent tool for maintaining the vital functionality of the body, while others are convinced that the meager composition of maple syrup can do little to help the body, and even more so weakened.

Did you know? Every year, the Canadian people earn about $145 million from the export of maple sap.

Therefore, before judging the benefits or harms of a Canadian delicacy, let's try to look into its contents. Experts who studied the quantitative composition of the nutrients of this product in laboratory conditions came to the conclusion that there is a small proportion of vitamins and minerals in the syrup. As a result, the myth about the healing properties of the liquid was dispelled.

If we take the equivalent of the daily requirement of the human body for useful substances, then in a 100-gram portion of maple syrup we found:

• magnesium (165%);
• zinc (28%);
• calcium (7%);
• iron (7%);
• potassium (6%).

But what benefits can we talk about when, in order to saturate the body, for example, with zinc and magnesium, you need to eat at least 100 grams of the product. But in addition to these components, it contains 67 grams of sucrose. It turns out that the minimum indicators of bonus minerals are not able to compensate for such an amount of sugar.

Important! In the process of preparing sweet desserts, it is unacceptable to combine sugar and maple syrup.

As part of the maple delicacy, B vitamins were found, as well as polyphenols, quebecol and 24 antioxidants. They can be successfully replaced with a small amount of walnuts or any berries. In addition, the alternative is much less sugar.

Therefore, all lovers of maple sweetener should take this nuance into account. Moreover, in 100 grams of liquid there are no proteins and fats, but there are 67 grams of carbohydrates. And this is with a calorie content of 268 kilocalories.

Beneficial features

It is very obvious that a herbal product cannot act as an effective means of losing weight and improving health. It is much healthier to replace sugar in your diet with stevia, for example.

Along with this, there is an opinion that regular use of maple syrup can treat the cardiovascular system, improve immunity and male potency. It has also been experimentally proven that quebecol, which is contained in the liquid, blocks the development of cancer cells and slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates.

But these experiments were not even carried out on animals, but in a test tube. Therefore, it is impossible to speak confidently about the benefits of the product for humans.

Possible harm and contraindications

You can harm maple syrup in cases of its uncontrolled eating. After all, the sucrose present in the composition will contribute to disruptions in metabolic processes, as well as provoke diabetes and obesity.

Therefore, people with high blood sugar levels, as well as those who are diagnosed with individual intolerance to the product, should abandon the sweet supplement.

How to choose and store the finished product

Despite the shortcomings of this sweet sauce, many people recommend trying it.
And all because of the pleasant taste and aroma. Therefore, in order not to fall for the hook of scammers, we offer you a selection of rules. Guided by them, you can easily distinguish a real product from a fake.

1. Quality liquid is always transparent or translucent. The cloudy consistency should alert.
2. Be sure to read the information on the label. It is important to pay attention to the country of manufacture and distributor. Also on the back of the bottle should be a golden maple leaf. This is another confirmation of the authenticity of the Canadian product.
3. Do not count on the cheapness of the goods. Real syrup is expensive, which is explained by the costly process of its manufacture. Just imagine: to get 1 liter of syrup, you need 40 liters of maple sap.
4. In the taste of a genuine product, a hint of wood is felt. Moreover, we are talking about an additive collected from different varieties of maple and at any time of the year.

To store sweet sauce, you can choose a refrigerator or a regular kitchen cabinet. But if the product will be stored at room temperature, it definitely requires an airtight lid.
Experts advise to pour the unpacked additive into a glass container and, for reliability, put it in the refrigerator. If the measures and conditions specified by the manufacturer are observed, the product can be stored for up to 3 years.

Cooking recipe: from juice to syrup

If you decide to delve into the secrets of the technology for reproducing a traditional Canadian delicacy on your own, you will initially need to be patient. The fact is that a lot of time will pass from the moment of harvesting the juice to the receipt of the finished product.

Tree tapping and sap collection

In the spring, when sap flow begins, choose maples with thick trunks. Trees must be healthy. If buds began to bloom on them, you need to look for other specimens for the juice collection.

Did you know? On the world stage of the 18th century, the production of maple syrup was minimized. This was due to the popularity of cane sugar, the production of which required less financial and labor resources. But Canadians continued to pass on their secrets from generation to generation..

In the future, a small hole is made on a suitable trunk with a drill. It is important that its depth does not exceed 8 centimeters. After that, an iron “nose” is inserted into the recess, from which the tube extends. From one such hole a day you can collect no more than 3 liters of juice.