Today is National Maple Syrup Day!

When I talk about maple syrup, I'm not referring to the bottled imitation maple syrup we typically find in the stores, but the real, 100% pure, maple syrup - the really good stuff! I grew up with the fake stuff, thinking it was real and using it on waffles and pancakes, but the real maple syrup is good for so much more! Let's look at some interesting facts about Maple Syrup - did you know . . . 

• Maple trees can continue to be tapped for sap for more than 100 years!
• Canada now produces the vast majority - 70% - of the world’s maple syrup supply with its total exports valued at more than $270 million.
• Food rations during WWII give cause for northeasterners to substitute their normal sweeteners for maple syrup and maple sugar.
• Approximately 40 gallons of maple sap are required to produce just one gallon of maple syrup! 
• In 2012, 6 millions pounds of maple syrup was stolen from the syrup stockpile held by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. While authorities managed to track down dozens of people responsible for the theft, about one-third of their take is still to be recovered.
• Pure maple syrup is produced by first extracting the somewhat sweet sap of the sugar maple tree and then concentrating the sap through a process of heating and evaporation.
• Maple syrup makes an awesome glaze for all sorts of root vegetables, bringing out flavors you might have never noticed.

You will find out more about maple syrup at this link.

I like to use maple syrup in my cooking - I add a little to pork loin when I cook it in my instant pot, and I am adding it today to a recipe for artisan bread . . . you will find the recipe at this link if you want to try it - just substitute maple syrup for the honey.

Enjoy and happy National Maple Syrup Day!