What is maple syrup made from? How to make maple syrup at home

It would be fair to say that for the first time Belarusians began to look closely at maple syrup thanks to cinema. How many films where the characters plentifully pour them a portion of pancakes for breakfast! Don't count. Fortunately, today this amazing product, given to the world by the ancient Indian tribes that once lived in what is now Canada, is available all over the world. And in Minsk, it is increasingly being offered as a topping not only for pancakes, but also for ice cream and other desserts. We figure out what the benefits and harms of this sweet "seasoning" are, and learn how to choose real maple syrup.

Maple syrup made from sugar-rich maple sap (sugar, black, red), which is harvested in early spring (between February and April). Trees suitable for sweet production grow only in some regions of North America: New York, Vermont, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Nebraska.

Fresh maple sap is clear and does not have a pronounced taste. The aroma characteristic of the syrup, deep amber color and caramel taste appear in the process of water digestion. Initially, maple sap is approximately 96% water, so it takes up to 40 liters of sap to make 1 liter of maple syrup. It takes a significant amount of time to evaporate the syrup to get the desired density.

By Canadian standards, maple syrup must be at least 66% sugar. It is solely about the sugar that remains in the syrup after maple sap is evaporated. Other sugar, as well as preservatives, fillers and other "synthetics" are not used to make real maple syrup. Its main constituent is sucrose.

The hallmark of true maple syrup is the soft, woody flavor. Its consistency is close to fresh. natural honey- transparent (translucent), thick and viscous. Depending on the degree of density and transparency, it is conditionally divided into Canadian and American (Vermont) syrup. Almost all maple sap is produced in Canada and the USA, with the latter accounting for no more than 10%.

BENEFIT AND HARM OF MAPLE SYRUP

Many physicians come to the conclusion that, due to their useful properties this product can even compare with honey.

According to the latest research by American scientists, Canadian maple syrup contains 54 antioxidants and beneficial trace elements. The chemical composition of maple syrup includes B vitamins, as well as minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, etc. The antioxidants of this wonderful product are similar to those found in tomatoes, berries, red wine, whole wheat and flax seeds.

In addition, maple syrup can be called the leader among other foods consumed by humans, in terms of the amount of calcium and potassium stored in it. Just ¼ cup of maple syrup contains more calcium than the same amount of whole milk and the same amount of potassium as bananas.

It is also known that in maple syrup there are 5 substances that scientists have never met in the natural environment until now. Of these five elements, Quebecol stands out especially, which has a sweet taste, but does not belong to carbohydrates, but to the phenolic group of compounds. Which in turn can be useful for people with diabetes.

Thanks to a whole range of useful substances, maple syrup:

  • positively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
  • helps fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases;
  • strengthens the immune system;
  • prevents the development of atherosclerosis;
  • reduces the risk of diabetes;
  • increases potency.

An important advantage of the product over other sweets (including brown sugar, stevia, agave syrup and even honey) is that it contains an extremely small amount of oxalates and purines, therefore it does not cause food allergies.

The harm that maple syrup can cause can only be attributed to individual intolerance and excesses in food.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SYRUP

The biggest problem for the uninformed consumer is to distinguish natural syrup from sugared fakes, which are usually made from corn with a small amount of maple syrup or artificial maple essence added. They are made up almost entirely of unhealthy high-fructose corn syrup. Such imitation products are illegally referred to as "maple syrup" and do not have the beneficial properties of a real natural product. Moreover, fakes are found in the USA and Canada.

There are several criteria, evaluating which, you can choose a quality maple syrup:

Pay attention to its texture and color. The syrup should be transparent or translucent, without any turbidity, have an average oiliness.

Choose a syrup that is made in Canada. The purity and authenticity of Canadian maple syrup is monitored at the state level by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. On all products manufactured in compliance with the technology, you can find a golden maple leaf - a guarantor of quality and the fact that the product is really made in Canada.

An important point: if the label says that it was produced in Canada, but packaged in another country under the brand name of a non-Canadian company, this is not a Canadian product. In this case, Canada is no longer responsible for the quality and composition of this maple syrup.

Pay attention to the cost of maple syrup. Natural syrup is expensive - not less than $ 70 per liter.

The lighter the syrup, the more tender will be its taste and the thinner the aroma. In Canada, a special classification system for maple syrup has been adopted: it is divided into three groups. Group Canada #1, which is considered the best, includes light syrups and is divided into Extra Light (very light), Light (light and light) and Medium (medium, the most popular, due to its saturation). Group Canada #2(mainly used in cooking) includes syrups of a darker color Amber (amber, tart and viscous). Group Canada #3(has a strong thick flavor and is used almost exclusively as a commercial sweetener) are the darkest. Maple syrup grades are based solely on the ability of the syrup to transmit light. The higher the degree of transparency, the higher the grade of maple syrup.

The most meticulous buyers should pay attention to the density indicator. In 100% natural maple syrup, the ratio of volume to net weight should average 1:1.32.

Don't be fooled by labels like "100% organic". Maple syrups, by definition, are organic products, since the maples that provide them with raw materials grow in a natural environment without the use of pesticides. And even corn syrup, which is added to fakes, is also 100% natural product.

WHERE COULD I BUY?

In Minsk, Canadian maple syrup can be found in online stores specializing in the sale of organic products. However, from experience we can say that not everywhere there is an opportunity to get acquainted with the composition.

To avoid fakes, it is better to go to the store and carefully examine the syrup bottles yourself. Canadian syrups are available in the Korona shopping center, BIGGZ, Preston and Green hypermarkets, as well as in stores at United Company gas stations.

Sources: poleznenko.ru, calorizator.ru, canadianmaple.ru, iamcook.ru. Photo: Google search.

Oh, these things to me, bro! It happens that you go into a supermarket - and your eyes run wide when you see all these unfamiliar, but alluring products. So I would have bought something unusual for myself: you take one thing in your hands, then another, turn it around, twist it - and back to the shelf. Looks interesting, but what to do with this exotic? Where is her? Suddenly spend - and to no avail? There will be another exhibit in your refrigerator next to terribly spicy pickled peppers and ketchup, which you bought the month before last, but for some reason you didn’t finish it, and now you don’t want to touch it at all - even to throw it away.

One of those alluring things is undoubtedly maple syrup. How many times have you heard about it in American films, you can't count it: these guys stick it everywhere! Or maybe, what the hell is not kidding, you have tried maple donuts or maple waffles in some coffee shop - and this is where your knowledge of maple syrup ends. Why is he so good and what to do with him at all? Today we will figure it out.

How maple syrup is made

The birthplace of maple syrup is North America - and all because it is made from the sap of maple trees that grow only on the North American continent. This delicacy is obtained from the sap of sugar, red and black maples growing in the southwest of Canada and in a number of US states - for example, in Vermont, whose symbol is not for nothing the maple leaf.

Making maple syrup is a whole science. To make it, you need to work hard. It all starts with the collection of maple sap, which takes place at a very specific time: the optimal conditions are when the temperature rises above zero during the day and drops below at night. As a rule, this happens from the end of February to the end of April. The temperature difference in this case is favorable, because in such conditions the tree gives off more juice.

To get maple sap, small holes are drilled in the tree trunk (up to one and a half centimeters in diameter and up to five centimeters deep) and special tubes are inserted into them, through which the juice enters the vessels. Sounds like birch sap harvesting, right, dude?

The collected juice must be processed immediately: it is an extremely perishable product. Therefore, thoughtful Canadians build special “steam rooms” right among the maples. Maple syrup is made right at the checkout! And it happens in the following way.

Freshly harvested maple sap is placed in special containers and ... evaporated. This happens long and tedious: the juice spends long and tedious hours in a special evaporator before it becomes a full-fledged syrup. At the same time, an absolutely incredible amount of water is evaporated: to get one liter of maple syrup, you need about 40 liters of juice (therefore, by the way, this sweetness is not cheap, do not expect to get it for less than 300 rubles). How many maples do you need to "milk" to produce a delicacy on an industrial scale

The product is considered ready when the amount of sugar in it reaches 66%. If we continue to evaporate the water further, crystallization will begin, and we will get maple caramels on the exhaust. When the finished syrup cools, it is passed through a filter, removing traces of crystallized sugar - and the delicacy is ready. I wonder if it is possible to do something similar with our birch trees? Imagine, bro, what an exotic: “Birch syrup. Spirit of Russia".

Note: when we described to you the process of making this syrup, we did not say a word about additives, because they simply do not exist in (real) maple syrup. No sugar, no colorants, no thickeners, no preservatives, nothing of the sort. Only maple syrup - and no fraud! In Canada, there is even a special state commission that controls the quality of the syrup: they take such a responsible approach to the production of delicacies from the symbol of the country.

Benefits of maple syrup

This is what Canadians are trying for their famous maple syrup! We thought that they didn’t start all this in vain: no one would start such a hassle from scratch. What is so good about this notorious maple syrup?

Maple syrup is (wow!) a healthy sweetener. It is not as high-calorie as sugar - if you work hard in a rocking chair, then this information will certainly benefit you. And maple syrup does not raise blood sugar levels, so it is often recommended for diabetics - too useful information, it is worth winding on a mustache.

In addition, maple syrup contains a lot of useful substances: iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and B vitamins. healthy dish, such as fried chicken, can be improved with the same syrup. Yes, imagine, it is added not only to desserts!

And now what to do with it?

So, knowing about useful properties maple syrup, you dared to buy it. What to do with him now?

The taste of maple syrup is quite interesting: it resembles caramel and at the same time gives off a tree. The easiest way is to pour them on anything: pancakes, pancakes, ice cream, pastries. You can use it instead of sugar by adding tea or coffee. Another great way to consume maple syrup is to put a couple of teaspoons in warm milk if you have a cold (or cold milk for nothing). Since maple syrup is very useful, it will be a good substitute for the usual honey in this role; This is especially true if you have allergies.

And you can cook something with it. We already told you about the cool man maple syrup sandwich, but this is far from the end!

For example, when you bake chicken in the oven (and bros dare to do this), you can coat it with maple syrup in the last half hour. You can stew meat with it. You do everything as usual, but add syrup to the main dish (do not forget to dilute it with water in a ratio of 1: 2). By the way, it goes well with nuts - you can throw them into the meat at the same time. Don't be afraid to experiment!

For a friend, you can also make a surprise: you take apples, cut out the core from them, put the filling inside: walnuts, raisins, cinnamon - and pour maple syrup mixed with water on top (water, again, should be twice as much as syrup). Then you put these fellows in the oven for half an hour - and that's it.

And this is how the cool American Kreayshawn eats syrup. If you're still hesitating about whether or not to try this curiosity, dude, it will help you make a decision.

It differs not only in a pleasant taste and unusual aroma, but also in benefits for the human body. The composition includes more than 50 components that are not found in other food products. Among them, abscisic acid is noted, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas, as well as a unique compound called quebecol, whose properties are in many ways similar to carbohydrates.

Nutritional composition: 67 g of carbohydrates and 0.2 g of fats, no proteins. The high calorie content of sugar maple syrup - about 260 kcal - is due to the content of simple carbohydrates. The composition includes the following trace elements (in mg):

  • calcium (67) - provides strengthening of nails, hair, bones;
  • zinc (4) - improves the absorption of protein in the body;
  • manganese (3.3) - affects the speed of transmission of nerve impulses;
  • potassium (204) - strengthens cardiac and vascular muscle fibers.

The benefit of the product lies in the high content of antioxidants that help remove all excess from the body. In addition, the syrup very rarely causes an allergic reaction, has a low glycemic index (from 55 to 65).

What and how are they made

The main production of the product is concentrated in Canada (90%) and the United States. This is due to the fact that sugar maple grows in these countries. Harvesting begins in the spring season, when the greatest amount of juice is produced. This period is called the "cry of the trees." To obtain 1,000 ml of sweet syrup, it is necessary to process about 40 liters of the collected liquid. That is why the product has a rather high cost.

The principle of preparation is based on the evaporation of sweet freshly picked juice. The finished product thickens, decreases in weight by more than 30 times. No artificial ingredients are used in the manufacturing process, no sugar is added. Therefore, all useful substances and elements are preserved in the syrup.

At home, making real Canadian syrup is almost impossible. The thing is that the juice collected from local trees (mainly holly, field and pseudoplane maples grow on the territory of the country) does not have a sweet taste due to the low content of sugars. After boiling, the product will not be as sweet and thick, and the result will not live up to expectations.

Areas of use

The dark varieties, which are made from juice harvested in late spring, have a rich aroma and can be added to various dishes as a flavor enhancer. Perfect with turkey and vegetables. Lighter varieties are excellent substitutes for and. Many people use syrup as a hot drink. During heat treatment, the product does not deteriorate and does not become harmful to health, unlike honey. That is why there are many recipes for sauces and hot dressings with a sweet touch, where syrup is the main ingredient.


In addition to cooking, the product is widely used in cosmetology and medicine. Masks with it help slow down the natural aging process due to the content of antioxidants in the product. For medical purposes, this syrup is used to increase the protective functions of the body and prevent various kinds of neoplasms. Clen is considered an excellent remedy for depression: it restores energy balance, relieves aggression and nervousness.

Possible harm and contraindications

Harm from natural syrup can occur with its excessive use. The recommended daily allowance is up to 30 g. There are no obvious contraindications, however, its use should be treated with caution in the following cases:

  • During pregnancy. The high content of potassium in the product can adversely affect the development of the child with increased uterine tone.
  • With overweight and obesity, which is due to the significant caloric content of the thick maple mass.
  • If individual intolerance to the product is noted. Allergies have rarely been reported, however, if the syrup is used for the first time, you should start with one teaspoon and look at the reaction of the body.
  • With different forms of diabetes. The product is not on the prohibited list, but it is best to consult with your doctor about the frequency of use and the amount allowed.

When buying, you should pay attention to the composition: artificial maple syrup contains thickeners, additional sugar and flavors. This product is of no use.

How to choose and store maple syrup?

In order not to make a mistake with the choice of product and enjoy the taste of healthy maple syrup, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Price. Original products cost at least $ 40 per 1 liter.
  • Manufacturer. A quality certificate is required.
  • Compound. There should be no indication of the addition of artificial sugars, other syrups (most often complement the product) and preservatives.
  • Type of packaging. The thick consistency and pleasant amber color of high-quality natural syrup are visible only in transparent glass bottles.

The recommended shelf life of the product is no more than 12 months. If the container is open, keep it only in a cool place without direct sunlight. If the smell or color changes, it is better not to use the syrup for food. If it is candied, heat treatment will help restore the texture, but the product will lose its benefits.

maple syrup - useful product of natural origin, able to charge the body with energy, increase immunity, slow down the natural processes of skin aging. With moderate use, you should not worry about a set excess weight, the occurrence of allergies and other negative phenomena.

We know about such a product as maple syrup from popular films and photos of famous people. Where every second hero pours freshly baked pastries on it.

What is it? What does he look like? Why is it needed? How to make it? What are the benefits and harms of this product? You have to find out from our article.

How is maple syrup made, how to replace it and what is the composition of the product?

A product like maple syrup has been around for a long time. It was found by the inhabitants of Europe long before the discovery of America. Drinks were prepared from the natural product of maple sap. Later, over time, the Europeans improved the method of extraction and processing of raw materials. Until now, the process of its extraction has not changed, however, as well as the demand for it.

How to make maple syrup, what does it taste like?

As mentioned above, before making a product, juice is extracted. The period of extraction of juice begins in early spring. It is during this season that the juice acquires useful and tasty properties. A small hole is made in the tree trunk, with the help of a special tube, the liquid flows into containers fixed next to it.

The resulting liquid is evaporated. This takes several hours. In order to make one liter of syrup, you need to produce about forty liters of fresh juice. From one tree, you can collect juice for decades, this process does not harm the plant.

In our country, maple sap is not collected. Extraction and processing of this product is developed in Canada and North America. It is there that sugar maple is specially planted.

Basically juice can be obtained from three types maple: black, sugar and red. Such trees reach thirty meters in height, and their diameter can exceed one meter.

Maple syrup is a clear liquid. Like any other juice, maple juice is fragrant, thick and viscous. Its consistency can be compared to bee honey. It has an amber color. Harvest from this tree occurs at the end of spring. Honey, sugar and butter are produced from the juice, depending on the stage of boiling the product.

What is maple syrup made from and how?

In America and Canada, there are huge alleys with maple trees, which are grown specifically to extract juice. As soon as the juice from all the trees is collected, it is sent to a processing plant.

It goes through the evaporation process. Depending on the type of plant, this stage may take a different amount of time. In addition, it should be noted that the product is natural equal to our honey. No preservatives or dyes are used in its production..

Americans grow so many sugar maples that there is no need to speed up the evaporation process. One crop quickly replaces another. The demand for this product is constantly growing. In America, this is a national product, and in our country it is imported, overseas.

What is included in maple syrup: composition

As mentioned earlier, his produced from natural raw materials. That is, it is already sold in the store without artificial additives and is one of the favorite treats of all ages.

The composition includes useful vitamins and minerals.

Such a delicacy is not only tasty, but also healthy. Its composition is considered unique by the Americans.

Maple syrup: benefits and harms

In our country, the main dessert with which pastries are served are: jam, sugar and marmalade. They can not be called completely healthy food. And maple syrup is a great alternative to our treats. In him no chemicals, preservatives that can harm both healthy and sick people.

The benefits of maple syrup are that it contains a minimum amount of sugar. In addition, a huge list of vitamins and minerals. Consider the main advantages of the product:

  1. It is recommended as a prevention of the development of neoplasms.
  2. Increases the functioning of the immune system.
  3. Accelerates metabolic processes.
  4. Enhances "male power".
  5. Prevents the development of diabetes, atherosclerosis.
  6. Recommended for diseases of the pancreas.
  7. Recommended for heart disease.
  8. Cleanses the liver and helps to recover quickly.
  9. It has an antiseptic effect.




But, like any other product, maple syrup can harm the human body. This unique product still has contraindications:

  1. May be harmful if consumed in excess.
  2. It is impossible for those who suffer from various allergic reactions.
  3. It is worth refraining from the product for those who follow a strict diet or have elevated level cholesterol. The product has a high percentage of glucose, so you should never abuse it.

Is maple syrup healthy, what taste and where is it used?

Such a useful product as maple syrup is used not only for the prevention of diseases, but also in cooking. Its taste is reminiscent of freshly made caramel.. Many chefs include this product in their signature dishes. You can also try making the dish with maple syrup.

  1. Used as a topping. It is poured over pastries, salads and many desserts.
  2. Americans use it instead of sugar in hot drinks.
  3. It is prepared from delicious sweets(sweets, lollipops).
  4. Often used as a base for sweet sauces.

Photos of maple syrup can be seen in films, cookbooks, but the best thing is to purchase this unique product and taste it.

Today, a product such as maple syrup is very popular. The demand for it is growing rapidly among people who lead a healthy lifestyle and watch their weight. In our article we will tell you how it is done and what is the benefit.

From what, how and where they make

Used to make syrup sweet maple tree sap that grow almost all over the world. But, since maple syrup is a traditional Canadian delicacy, about 80% of the products are produced in Canada.

The technology for the production of delicacy consists of several stages:

  1. Collection of raw materials. In order to extract the juice, in the spring, trees with a trunk of at least 20 cm and swollen buds are selected, a hole is drilled in it, a tube is inserted through which the juice will slowly drain into a container.
  2. Then the liquid must boil so that it becomes thicker, while the vegetable juice from it will evaporate.

Usually, juice from trees of the Sapindrov family is used to make syrup. It includes black, sugar and red maple.

Important! When collecting juice, a hole should be made in the tree, not exceeding 5 cm in diameter. Otherwise, the product will have a slightly different, worse quality.

The resulting product may be different colors- from light gold to dark amber. The shade depends on when exactly the juice was collected. The later the collection was carried out, the darker the product will be. The dark variety has a pronounced aroma, so it is more often used for cooking. But light varieties are often used directly as a syrup (it is this type that pancakes are most often watered with).

Video: how maple syrup is made

Calorie content and chemical composition

Calories in 100 ml maple syrup 260 kcal.

The same quantity of the product contains:

  • - 0.066 mg;
  • - 1.27 mg;
  • - 1.6 mg;
  • - 0.036 mg;
  • - 0.002 mg;
  • - 0.81 mg.

In addition, regular consumption of maple syrup contributes to the intake of many useful minerals that affect the level of "bad" and "good" cholesterol in the blood.

For the genitourinary system of men

It is noted that with a low level of zinc in the prostate, the risk of prostate cancer increases significantly. That is why doctors recommend that men consume maple syrup, as it allows you to reduce the size of the gland and acts as a catalyst for fatty acids and cholesterol levels, and is also directly involved in the production of sex hormones.

For brain activity

According to studies, maple syrup can be used to prevent neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, Alzheimer's disease.

As a result of the use of the product, the fusion of the two types of proteins present in the brain is stopped. When they are improperly connected, plaque forms, which provokes the development of Alzheimer's disease and other brain diseases. Thanks to the regular use of aromatic liquid, tangling and the appearance of this plaque do not occur.

For skin

Maple syrup is also used to maintain the health of the skin. When applied to the skin, you can get rid of inflammation, redness, blemishes and dryness. Recipes are also used, which, in addition to syrup, include components such as raw, raw. Applying such a mask to the skin perfectly moisturizes it, reduces the number of bacteria and eliminates irritation.

Is it possible

Consider when the product is able to benefit the human body, and when harm.

During pregnancy

You can use it, but in limited quantities. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before introducing this product into your diet. In moderation, the zinc contained in the syrup will aid in protein absorption.

When breastfeeding

During the period, a young mother can treat herself to a little maple syrup. It contains natural sugars that will act as a milk sweetener, and at the same time, useful minerals will enter the baby's body with them. However, it is worth remembering that it is worth starting to introduce the product into your diet gradually, while observing the reaction of the baby.

With diabetes

Despite the fact that the composition includes glucose, fructose and sucrose, it can be used to prevent type 2 diabetes and already with an existing diagnosis. The fact is that the product has a high concentration of abscisic acid, which stimulates the secretion of insulin and increases sensitivity to it in fat cells.

With gastritis

Since the syrup includes unrefined sugars, it can be used as a sweetener for gastritis. Of course, you should not use this product too often, especially as an independent unit, but as an ingredient in dishes, it will not harm your health.

Application in cooking: where they add it, what they eat with

The most common method of using a natural sweetener is as a gravy for pancakes and pancakes.
It matches perfectly with flour products, and at the same time will not affect the figure of the sweet tooth, as it does not contain refined sugars.

Important! The opinion that the syrup neutralizes the action of ordinary sugar is wrong: these products cannot be used together, as a large amount of glucose enters the body, which can adversely affect health.

In addition, maple syrup is used to prepare meat and fish marinades, glaze is prepared from it for confectionery, gravy for ice cream.
He can be wonderful sugar substitute if you want to drink

Video: Maple Syrup Pancake Recipe

How to choose a quality product when buying

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of natural maple syrup, you can often find a fake on store shelves. If you find a corn composition on the label, as well as maple tree extracts, you should know that this is not a natural product, but a cheap substitute.

The original syrup has a translucent color, it should not be cloudy. Its normal color is light or dark amber. The consistency should be thick, slightly oily, reminiscent of honey.

Storage conditions

If the product is sealed, then it can be stored for several years at room temperature. If the container was opened, then it is necessary to pour it into a plastic or glass container, close it tightly with a lid and mark it in the refrigerator. If you decide to store the product at room temperature, choose a dry dark place. Storing syrup in the freezer is prohibited.

Shelf life in the refrigerator is 3-6 months.

Can it hurt

In real maple syrup there are no dyes, preservatives, flavors, so it has almost no contraindications. It can harm a person only under the condition of individual intolerance. However, despite its harmless composition, it is still not worth abusing the product.

Did you know? To get 100 g of syrup, you need to boil 3-4 kg of maple sap.

Maple syrup is a popular, tasty and healthy sweet additive that is actively used both for the prevention of various diseases and as an ingredient in the preparation of many dishes. Moderate use of this product will improve health and enjoy its unsurpassed taste.