This year has certainly surprised us with the unexpected. Typically, the majority of our syrup is graded as Medium or Amber in colour. This year, we've made several batches of Extra Light syrup. It's darkened up slightly to Light grade. Never, ever have we produced extra light syrup!! Why this year??? We don't really know for sure. The sugar content in the sap is testing high which would be one of the key factors influencing the syrup colour. Why was the sugar contact higher this year? We don't know. The lighter grades of syrup has a more delicate maple flavour which is great for making sugar leaves, and maple butter. Some people prefer the stronger maple flavour found in the Medium and Amber grades of syrup. It's all a matter of taste preference!
You can learn more about how syrup is graded and sugar content in sap at these websites: http://www.ontariomaple.com/pages/maple_syrup_grades/
http://www.ontariomaple.com/pages/pure_maple_syrup/
We will be hosting a booth at Canadale's Spring Garden Show again this year. The show will be on March 15-17. Maple butter, sugar leaves and maple fudge will be available in addition to maple syrup!
