National Maple Syrup Day

What’s better than National Chocolate Covered Anything Day? National Maple Syrup Day! 

(Image found at: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/eng/Pages/KennethMapleFarms.aspx) 

Maple syrup is “a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple, or black maple trees, although it can also be made from other maple species.” In the northeastern parts of North America (CANADA! Yes, that means it’s ours! Haha), maple syrup was first produced and used by the indigenous peoples living in these areas. They recognized this sap as a source of nutrients and energy, so they began to “tap” the trees by making a “V” incision in the trees in the early spring. During the European colonization, these indigenous people showed the Europeans the magic and process that is maple syrup, and it was here that the removal of sap went from the harmless “V” in the bark, to the Europeans literally placing taps into the trees. 

(Image found at: http://schmidling.com/maplesyrup.htm)

The United States were the number 1 producer of maple syrup until the 1930s, when Canada took over the market. Canada now produces 80% of the world’s maple syrup, with the majority coming from Quebec. American maple syrup is still widely produced, despite it no longer being the top contributor to the market, with Vermont being it’s biggest supplier. Apparently, it has also been produced in other countries, such as Japan and South Korea! 

Maple Syrup is one tasty treat, and although there are several artificial varieties, nothing tastes quite like the real thing! It’s good on pancakes, French toast, baked beans, fruit, in coffee or tea, or even just in a spoon all by itself! 

(Image found at:http://amy-henderson.com/reasons-people-love-maple-syrup/)

Enjoy a taste of this delicious syrup today! But first, don’t forget to vote on the Daily Poll!