Ever wondered when maple syrup was first discovered? How did we know there was a sweet savory syrup-producing tree in our backyard? Did the Europeans first produce it? Here we will discover the origins of maple syrup.
Before any European stepped foot on Northeastern North America maple syrup was being produced by native people to the land for thousands of years.
Legends exist how it was actually discovered, but it has been narrowed down that it was either by accident or by watching springtime animals. We know from archaeological evidence the Native Americans had festivals where they would celebrate the sugar harvest and the full moon or also known as the sugar moon. It was known as “sweetwater” by Native Americans. The main purpose of “sweetwater” was to season everything with it. It was used to cure meat, take away the bitterness of medicines and was even used as an anesthetic. This reminds me of the scene in Elf where he puts maple syrup on everything!
Maple Syrup was so valuable it was used as a trade item or money in the form of dried, portable sugar slabs. The Northeastern part of North America is the only successful place on earth where maple syrup can be produced. The long springs and differences in temperatures throughout the day into the night are what directly impacts the production of the syrup. Another reason for its success is it was a freeman’s product versus a slaveman product like sugar.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s where the production of maple syrup was innovated. Almost all the world’s maple syrup comes from Canada and the Northeastern United States.
To qualify as maple syrup Canada and the United States have restrictions so that it is pure maple syrup that is being produced and sold around the world. Maple syrup is graded based on its color and taste. Sucrose is the most prevalent sugar in maple syrup. The following is the grading system for both Canada and the United States:
- Grade A
- Golden color and delicate taste
- Amber color and rich taste
- Dark color and robust taste
- Very dark color and strong taste
- Processing grade
- Substandard
Maple syrup has been described as a taste that is unique. So unique it is compared to wine tasting. There are 91 unique flavors that exist with 13 different families. I don’t know about you but I want in on maple syrup tasting!
It is very exciting to share with you the 42nd annual Maine Maple Sunday weekend. Most sugarhouses offer maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and so much more. Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in March.
I hope you join us in celebration of the maple syrup harvest and the coming of Spring by staying with us at the Alouette Beach Resort or by enjoying our pure maple syrup made by the Dunn Family Maple located in Buxton which we serve at the Alouette Beach Cafe! See you soon!
