Maple syrup is the thickened sap of sugar maple, black maple, or red maple. Trees growing in North America are suitable for evaporation of sap. The plant itself can be gigantic in size, reaching one meter in diameter and 30 meters in height.
The history of maple syrup
North American Indians, long before Europeans set foot on their land, used maple juice to make syrup, drinks, and even sugar. The juice was appreciated by the first settlers from Europe, so the latter adopted the method of collection and preparation from the indigenous people.
Maple syrup preparation
Since those distant times, the recipe and preparation method have remained practically unchanged. In early spring, collectors form small holes in trees up to 5 cm deep. Tubes or gutters are inserted into them, through which sap flows into containers. The resulting raw material is evaporated until the mass acquires the required consistency. It takes 40 liters of maple juice to make one liter of the legendary syrup. The advantage of this production method is that it does not harm the tree and allows harvesting from one trunk for many years.
A separate segment of the industry is the production of maple syrup in Canada, where maple has earned special respect and even adorns the national flag. The main production facilities are concentrated in the province of Quebec.
In the season of harvesting maple sap, Quebec hosts the Sugar Hut holiday. All recreational activities are held in the forest near the gathering place. The table is traditionally served with omelet sprinkled with syrup, beans with sweet sauce and even beer brewed with maple syrup. Maple caramels, which are very similar to Russian "cockerels", have a special love for children.
Different syrups are needed, different syrups are important
Maple syrup resembles fresh honey in appearance and has various shades. The most fragrant is dark amber; for its preparation, raw materials are harvested at the end of the season. In the process of boiling, depending on the stage, maple honey, sugar and butter are obtained.
American and Canadian cuisine is hard to imagine without a maple sweet viscous mass; it is served with pancakes, pancakes, ice cream, waffles, and is used as an additional ingredient in vegetable, meat dishes, baked goods and sauces.
As a natural product, it does not contain any preservatives or colorants. It is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins of group B. Thanks to the content of polyphenols, it helps to fight cardiovascular and even cancer. It has proven its effectiveness as a natural immunostimulant, enhances potency, prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
