National Maple Syrup Day

National Maple Syrup Day History

National Maple Syrup Day celebrates this endearing, sweet substance extracted from the sap of maple trees. It recognizes the effort, art, and tradition behind this widely loved product. This day marks the opportunity to explore maple syrup's diverse culinary uses, its deep cultural significance, and the sustainable practices often followed in its extraction, especially in Canada.

Originating from the Indigenous practices of maple sugaring, the tradition of maple syrup production has deep historical roots in Canada. Celebrating National Maple Syrup Day is special for Canadians as it honors an industry that contributes to their cultural heritage and economy. Canada, the world's largest producer of maple syrup, finds this day an opportunity to learn more about the indigenous practices and the evolution of the industry and celebrate their global leadership in maple syrup production.

Observance for National Maple Syrup Day in Canada often involves various community activities such as tree-tapping demonstrations, maple syrup production tours, and culinary events featuring dishes with maple syrup. Schools, museums, and cultural centers across the nation, especially in areas like Quebec, hold events dramatizing the history of maple syrup. It gives an intimate insight into this home-grown industry. The National Maple Syrup Day is observed annually throughout the country on December 17th, offering Canadians a sweet reason to celebrate in the heart of the busy holiday season.

National Maple Syrup Day facts

• Maple syrup contains more than 20 antioxidants. It also contains compounds that help prevent cancer.
• One gallon of maple syrup requires forty gallons of maple sap. Most trees however only yield 5 to 15 gallons of sap per season.
• The process of extracting sap for maple syrup doesn't harm the tree. A single tree can be tapped for sap over 100 years.
• Maple syrup is graded based on its color and taste, with a lighter color indicating a milder flavor. In Canada, these grades are defined as Canada No. 1 (including Extra Light, Light, and Medium), Canada No. 2 (Amber), and Canada No. 3 (Dark).
• Canada has a strict grading system for maple syrup to ensure consistent quality and taste. Maple syrup is graded according to its color and flavor profile, with Grade A divided into four categories: Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark.

In the News and Trending in Canada for National Maple Syrup Day

Top things to do in Canada for National Maple Syrup Day

• Enjoy some maple syrup. There are a variety of syrup flavors. Some examples are Aunt Jemima's, Mrs. Butterworth's, or Hungry Jacks. All taste good, but you might enjoy one more than the others so find your favorite.
• Make your own maple syrup.
  1) Find a maple tree, preferably a sugar maple tree.
  2) Get your tap and drill a hole a couple inches deep into the tree.
  3) Use your tap to collect sap. You'll need several gallons to make syrup.
  4) Boil your sap. It is best to do this outdoors as there may bea lot of steam.
  5) Store your syrup in a cool area like the fridge.
• Use National Maple Syrup Day as an opportunity to try some new recipes that feature maple syrup, from classic pancakes and waffles to savory dishes and desserts. You can even host a maple-themed meal for family and friends.
• Learn about the process of making maple syrup by visiting one of the many maple syrup farms across Canada. Fulton's Pancake House and Sugar Bush (Ontario), Sugar Moon Farm (Nova Scotia), and Gallant Maple Sugar Estate (Prince Edward Island) are a few popular maple syrup farms open for tours.