Syrup of maple is a sugar alternate used in recipes. It is viscous syrup obtained from the sap of sugar maple, red maple or black maple trees. The procedure of making syrup of maple involves tapping (piercing) the tree for letting the sap to come out freely. The sap is plain and more or less tasteless and contains very less sugar when tapped at first. It is boiled later on to eliminate excess water thereafter getting the syrup with the natural flavour and colour of Syrup of maple containing 60% sugar. Syrup of maple is pleasingly sweet and healthy sugar alternative.
History of Syrup of maple
Syrup of maple was originally accumulated and used by Native Americans and First Nations, and was later adopted by European settlers. Aboriginal tribe residing in the North Eastern region of North America were the earliest people acknowledged to have created the Syrup and sugar. Verbal traditions from their accounts and also archaeological evidence, tree sap, fancied by them as "sweet water" or "Sinzibuckwud" have that the sap from the tree was treated for potential sugar substance much earlier than the Europeans who reached the place. Many myths prevail relating to the start of Syrup manufacture and a very popular one points that maple sap was made use of to cook venison offered to a tribal head.
Culinary Uses of the Syrup of maple
It is very commonly had along with oatmeal, French toast, waffles, crumpets and other breakfast food. It is made use of as an ingredient in baked recipes or as a sweetening and flavouring agent. Sucrose happens to dominate the sugar content in Syrup of maple. Syrup may even be made use of for flavouring several kinds of food, such as ice cream, biscuits, fritters, hot cereal and fruits. It can also be made use of as a sweetening agent for applesauce, candied sweet potatoes, baked beans, cakes, winter squash breads, pies, fudge and other sweet preparations. Syrup of maple can also be made use of as a substitution for honey in wine.
Popular Syrup of maple Recipes
Roasted salmon marinated in Syrup of maple is a luscious salmon preparation incorporating the syrup , soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger root for marinating salmon.
Cabbage slaw with a bacon dressing is a syrup of maple recipe where cabbage and leeks are sautéed and served with a dressing made from bacon pieces, little bit of Syrup and apple-cider vinegar.
Sweet Potato biscuits is a great syrup of maple recipe to make a snack with tea using sweet potato, cornmeal, Syrup of maple, pecans and butter.
Chocolate chip and Syrup of maple-shortbread
Sweet bread is syrup of maple recipe for preparing bread using Syrup of maple as well as maple sugar and is a great tea time snack item.
Gorgonzola-pear salad sweetened with syrup is a syrup of maple recipe where a small quantity of Syrup of maple is added to the pear salad turning it into a gourmet delight.
Cuisines Using Maple- Syrup
Syrup of maple is used in quite a few cuisines across the world and is spreading over. In the times of the American Civil War the syrup was used by as cane sugar and molasses was manufactured largely by Southern slaves. At the time of food supply in World War II, people in the North Eastern United States were advised to Syrup and sugar to meet their sweetening needs. Today Syrup of maple is used in several cuisines across the world-including European, Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Preferable Cooking Methods For Syrups of maple
Syrup of maple can be incorporated in most cooking method almost. Since it is a substitution for sugar, it can be used in the same cooking methods employed to cook sugar including baking, steaming and boiling. Syrup of maple has a distinct flavour that might get affected due to excess boiling or exposure to high heat levels.
Nutritive Value of Maples
Syrup of maple is a great source of manganese and zinc. Manganese is a significant contributor to the enzyme gamut in the body responsible for energy production and antioxidant defences. Zinc and manganese are prime factors in boosting the immune system. It is particularly beneficial for children, researchers for combating zinc deficiency. Syrup of maple is also beneficial in maintaining reproductive health and rendering unique benefits for men. It is also helpful in preventing prostate cancer. Maples help in maintaining the level of HDL (the "good" cholesterol)
.
Syrup of maple Buying/Storing Tips
Syrup of maple can be found in single unit packages and in mass in stores. The quality of the syrup differs in features including colour, taste and consistency.
Syrup has distinct labelling much different from the flavoured versions. Syrup of maple is usually expensive.
Unopened packs of Syrup can be very well placed in a cool dry place. Once they are opened they must be placed in the refrigerator. Syrup can be frozen, however it needs to be thawed prior to use as it is too viscous and difficult to pour when frozen. The syrup must be discarded along with container if there is presence of mold or contamination.
Food and Drug Administration Approval for Syrup of maple
All syrups of maple are written off with a grade dependent upon the official United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grading system. The grades are in three versions namely- Grade A Syrup of maple, that includes Light Amber, Medium Amber and Dark Amber. Paler the colour, delicate the flavour. Grade B version of the syrup is normally retained for cooking and use in processed foods.
Trivia
Syrup added to tea and coffee in place of table sugar brings out a unique taste.
Maple-syrups drizzled on sandwich toasts with butter and fruits are a treat indeed.
Vermont and Quebec are the leading producers of syrup of maple.