Maple syrup: composition, what it is made from, harm and benefit. Maple syrup - what is it made from? Health benefits and harms of maple syrup, use in cooking Maple caramel syrup how to use

Maple syrup. Many people have a sweet tooth and enjoy eating chocolates and cakes. Everyone knows that sweets are harmful to the body.

In addition, in the modern confectionery industry, far from the most useful substances are used - palm oil, synthetic fats, stabilizers, etc.

It would seem that sweets should be completely removed from the menu. But nature gave us syrups.

Maple syrup is made from the sap of the broadleaf maple tree.. The main producer is Canada. Even despite strict control over the product manufacturing process, there are still fakes on the market.

In this article we will talk about maple syrup, consider its beneficial properties and side effects.

1. Abscisic acid contained in maple syrup stimulates the pancreas. One of its main functions is the secretion of the hormone insulin, which is involved in the breakdown of glucose. Diabetic conditions are associated with the lack of insulin production.

2. A unique element was discovered in maple syrup, named Quebecol in honor of the homeland of maple. It has a sweet taste, but is not a carbohydrate.

The chemical composition of the component is close to substances of the phenolic group and, therefore, approved for use by patients with diabetes. In the near future, quebecol may provide a sweetener for people dependent on external insulin.

3. The product is very rich in potassium. Its content in 100 g of syrup is up to 210 mcg. The function of this mineral is to provide nutrition and maintain the tone of smooth muscles, which include the heart muscle.

5. For girls during puberty and women during pregnancy, zinc will ensure protein absorption and growth.

6. Zinc plays an important role in the growth of lymphocytes - cells that form an immune response to a viral or bacterial attack.

7. Manganese, the content of which is 3.5 mcg in 100 g of maple syrup, along with calcium and zinc, is important for maintaining the correct balance of substances in bone tissue.

8. Manganese is involved in the formation and transmission of nerve impulses.

9. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, similar to those found in red wine and tomatoes. However, unlike tomatoes and wine, antioxidants do not affect the gallbladder and liver.

10. Maple syrup, due to its low content of substances that cause allergies, can be used by people prone to such reactions in the body.

11. Natural maple syrup contains no dyes or preservatives.

The harm of maple syrup

1. Speaking about the dangers of maple syrup, it is worth understanding how it is consumed. As a therapeutic diet, any syrup, including maple syrup, has recommended daily intake. One spoon a day will not do any harm.

But if you regularly use syrup as a topping for pancakes and other baked goods, then you need to understand that more harm comes from flour products, and not from syrup.

2. Diabetics should take the syrup with caution. Despite its low effect, maple syrup is not indicated for all types and degrees of diabetes.

3. It is undesirable to use maple syrup during pregnancy in case of high uterine tone. Potassium contained in the syrup maintains smooth muscle tone, and the potassium antagonist in this case will be magnesium, which is prescribed to reduce tone.

Homemade maple syrup

Maple syrup is quite an expensive product. Its average price is $70-80 per liter, but you can try making the syrup yourself.

It will differ from the original Canadian one in its reduced content of glucose and other substances and, possibly, in taste.

1. Maple sap can be collected during intense spring movement, when nutrients reach the tree buds. This usually happens when during the day the air warms up to +15...+20, and at night there are still frosts.

2. Select a maple tree with a five-pointed leaf and a wide trunk, drill a hole in it at an angle so that the sap flows down. Insert the tube and remove it into an enamel or glass container.

3. On average, a liter of syrup will require up to 50 liters of fresh juice. From one tree you can get 4-6 liters in a few hours.

4. The juice should be boiled in an enamel bowl until it becomes syrup, evaporating the water. The process, depending on the sugar content in the juice, can take up to 18-25 hours.

5. When a syrupy state is reached, remove the dish from the stove and let it cool, then pour into several jars, close the lids and put in the refrigerator.

If you have ever collected birch sap, then you can handle maple sap without any problems. Buy juice or collect it yourself - the choice is yours.

Maple syrup is thickened sap obtained by evaporating the sap of deciduous trees from the Sapindaceae family: sugar maple, red maple and black maple. These types of maples grow in North America and reach a height of thirty meters and a diameter of one meter.

Maple syrup is a translucent or transparent thick, aromatic, viscous liquid, which in consistency can be compared to amber honey. At various stages of evaporation of the syrup, sugar, butter and maple honey are obtained from it.

Story

The extraction of maple sap is most developed in Canada, where sugar maple grows in forests everywhere. It even became a national symbol: the image of a maple leaf can be seen on the country’s national flag. The main producer of syrup is Quebec.

The current residents of Quebec inherited the tradition of collecting maple sap from the Indians, who many years ago noticed the wonderful benefits of maple syrup and over several generations developed recipes for its production.

There are many traditions associated with the collection of maple sap. For example, with the beginning of the harvest season, residents of local villages organize a farewell to winter. This holiday is called “Boar-a-sucr”, and translated from French means “Sugar Hut”. In the immediate vicinity of maple sap collection sites, residents set up temporary houses and tables for guests, and install equipment for preparing various sweets using the sap. This holiday is highly revered by local residents. Children love to eat treats with maple syrup: pancakes with peasant butter and syrup, forest snow poured with a sweet tasty liquid, maple caramels prepared right there, right in front of people. And adults prefer meat dishes, which are also prepared right on the spot - clove ham baked in maple syrup, beans with ham and brisket in a sweet maple sauce and, of course, country beer made with maple sap.

It is also interesting that, despite the development of technologies that make it possible to automate almost all processes in the food industry, the collection of sap and the preparation of maple syrup is still carried out exclusively by hand. This gives it a special and unique taste, and dishes prepared with its addition - a unique charm.

In many ways, the process of extracting maple sap is similar to obtaining birch sap. A special diagonal cut is made on the maple, into which a stainless steel trench is inserted. The collected juice is taken to special “distillation” stations installed right in the forest. Here it is boiled over an open fire, evaporating, resulting in the purest maple syrup. To get one liter of syrup, you need to evaporate about forty liters of maple sap! Of course, this significantly increases the cost of the final product. But what joy it gives local residents to watch the cooking process!

But the processing and storage of this valuable product is trusted to the most modern technologies. All enterprises involved in the extraction of maple sap and syrup must meet the most stringent quality standards and regularly undergo government inspections.

Today, one of the most famous companies involved in the collection and processing of maple sap is the Quebec cooperative Citadel, which unites about three thousand independent sap collectors. The company was founded in 1925, and most of its members are hereditary juice collectors who inherited this activity from their great-grandfathers and fathers. Thanks to this, the company supplies the market with products of the highest quality, which is a recognized leader.

Uses of maple syrup

Maple syrup and products made from it (butter, sugar, jam) have become widespread in many countries around the world. Chefs of expensive and prestigious restaurants in Canada, the USA, Japan, France and other countries prepare the most exquisite dishes, of which this product is an integral component. These dishes are very popular, and many of them can be prepared at home. The syrup is served with pancakes, waffles, pancakes, and ice cream. It is used as an ingredient in meat dishes, baked goods, desserts, and sauces. The use of maple syrup has become widespread in the baking and confectionery industry as a natural alternative to sugar.

Composition of maple syrup

Maple syrup is a completely natural product; no chemical components are used in its production; it does not contain fillers or preservatives.

Maple syrup contains many minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc), B vitamins, including thiamine. It contains many antioxidants, and above all, polyphenols, which help a person prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote rejuvenation of the body. There is less sugar in syrup than in honey, and there is practically no fructose present, so it is useful for people watching their body weight. Even diabetics can use the syrup. And the phytohormones that make up maple syrup (abscisic acid) are very useful for the normal functioning of the pancreas.

The calorie content of maple syrup is 261 kcal per 100 g of product.

Benefits of maple syrup

Scientists who have studied the benefits of maple syrup have been able to prove that sweets can also be beneficial. For example, recently researchers from the University of Rhode Island discovered 13 compounds beneficial for humans in it, in addition to the seven already found.

Scientists believe that the benefits of maple syrup include preventing the development of diabetes, brain and breast cancer. And maple sap contains natural glucose, which is easily absorbed by the body like a fast carbohydrate. However, it is precisely because of its glucose content that maple syrup is not recommended for consumption in excessively high quantities.

The use of maple syrup has a healing effect on the body, as it is a natural immunostimulant, so it is useful to use it for atherosclerosis, to reduce the risk of diabetes, and to increase potency.

This tasty and sweet delicacy is included in products recommended for a healthy diet and is an excellent alternative to sugar, preserves and jams.

We know about such a product as maple syrup from popular films and photos of famous people. Where every second hero pours it over freshly prepared pastries.

What is this? What does he look like? Why is it needed? How to make it? What are the benefits and harms of this product? You will find out from our article.

How is maple syrup made, what can it be replaced with, and what is the composition of the product?

A product like maple syrup has been around for a long time. It was found by Europeans long before the discovery of America. The drinks were made from the natural product of maple sap. Later, over time, Europeans improved the method of extracting and processing raw materials. Until now, the extraction process has not changed, nor has the demand for it.

How to make maple syrup, what does it taste like?

As mentioned above, before making the product, juice is extracted. The period of sap extraction begins in early spring. It is during this season that the juice acquires useful and tasty properties. A small hole is made in the tree trunk, and with the help of a special tube, the liquid flows into containers fixed next to it.

The resulting liquid is evaporated. This takes several hours. In order to make one liter of syrup, you need to produce about forty liters of fresh juice. You can collect sap from one tree for decades; this process does not harm the plant.

In our country, maple sap is not collected. Extraction and processing of this product is developed in Canada and North America. This is where sugar maples are specially planted.

Basically, juice can be obtained from three types of maple: black, sugar and red. Such trees reach thirty meters in height, and their diameter can exceed one meter.

Maple syrup is a clear liquid. Like any other juice, maple is aromatic, thick and viscous. Its consistency can be compared to bee honey. It has an amber color. The harvest from this tree occurs at the end of spring. Honey, sugar and butter are produced from the juice, depending on the stage of boiling of the product.

What is maple syrup made from and how?

In America and Canada there are huge alleys with maples, which are grown specifically to extract juice. Once the sap from all the trees is collected, it is sent to a processing plant.

It goes through an evaporation process. Depending on the type of plant, this stage may take a different amount of time. In addition, it is worth noting that the product is natural, equivalent to our honey. No preservatives or dyes are used in its production..

Americans grow so many sugar maples that there is no need to speed up the evaporation process. One harvest quickly follows another. The demand for this product is constantly growing. In America it is a national product, but in our country it is an imported product from overseas.

What is in maple syrup: composition

As mentioned earlier, it made from natural raw materials. That is, it is already sold in stores without artificial additives and is one of the favorite treats of all ages.

The composition includes useful vitamins and microelements.

This delicacy is not only tasty, but also healthy. Americans consider its composition unique.

Maple syrup: benefits and harms

In our country, the main desserts with which baked goods are served are: jam, sugar and marmalade. They cannot be called completely healthy food. And maple syrup is a great alternative to our treats. In it no chemicals or preservatives present, which can harm both healthy and sick people.

The benefits of maple syrup are that it contains minimal amount of sugar. In addition, there is a huge list of vitamins and microelements. Let's look at the main advantages of the product:

1. Recommended as a prevention of the development of neoplasms.
2. Improves the functioning of the immune system.
3. Speeds up metabolic processes.
4. Strengthens “male power”.
5. Prevents the development of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
6. Recommended for diseases of the pancreas.
7. Recommended for heart diseases.
8. Cleanses the liver and helps it recover quickly.
9. Has an antiseptic effect.

But, like any other product, maple syrup can be harmful to the human body. This unique product still has contraindications:

1. May be harmful if consumed in unlimited quantities.
2. It should not be used by those who suffer from various allergic reactions.
3. Those who adhere to a strict diet or have high cholesterol levels should avoid the product. The product contains a high percentage of glucose, so it should not be abused under any circumstances.

Is maple syrup healthy, what is its taste and where is it used?

Such a useful product as maple syrup is used not only for the prevention of diseases, but also in cooking. Its taste is reminiscent of freshly made caramel. Many chefs include this product in their signature dishes. You can also try making this dish using maple syrup.

1. Used as a topping. Baked goods, salads and many desserts are topped with it.
2. Americans use it instead of sugar in hot drinks.
3. Delicious sweets (sweets, lollipops) are prepared from it.
4. Often used as a base for sweet sauces.

Photos of maple syrup can be seen in films and cookbooks, but the best thing is to purchase this unique product and try it.

Description

Many of us became aware of maple syrup thanks to Hollywood films. Each hero of such a film, ordering pancakes or pancakes, receives a dish generously sprinkled with maple syrup.

Maple syrup is the sap of deciduous trees, which, as a result of preliminary evaporation, acquires a thick consistency. The sap is obtained from the following trees, which are members of the Sapindaceae family: black maple, sugar maple and red maple. Maples of these species can grow up to 30 meters in height, and can reach over a meter in diameter. Maples are native to North America.

Long before the discovery of America by Europeans, North American Indians prepared various drinks, syrups and sugar from refreshing maple sap. The first European settlers were able to appreciate this juice, who adopted the method of its processing and extraction from the aborigines.

After many years, the process of obtaining syrup has remained virtually unchanged. During the period of activation of vitality in the trees, which begins in early spring, the juice acquires especially useful and tasty properties. Then the sap collectors make small holes in the tree trunks, not exceeding 5 cm in depth. Tubes or gutters are inserted into the holes, through which the liquid can drain into special containers. The collected liquid is evaporated until the required concentration is achieved - this may take several hours. For a liter of finished syrup, it is necessary to collect and process 40 liters of fresh juice. It is noteworthy that collecting sap does not harm the trees and it can be collected for many years from one trunk.

The extraction of maple sap is especially developed in Canada. The sugar maple is ubiquitous here and has become a national symbol – the national flag of this country features a stylized image of a maple leaf. The main production of maple syrup is located in the province of Quebec.

Maple syrup is a translucent or clear liquid. It is aromatic, very thick and viscous, its consistency is similar to fresh bee honey of amber color of various shades. The most flavorful maple syrup is dark amber in color and is harvested late in the season. Boiling the syrup at different stages allows you to obtain products such as maple sugar, honey and butter.

Maple syrup is widely used in national American and Canadian cuisine. Here it is served as a sweet addition to ice cream, pancakes, pancakes and waffles. Maple syrup is often an ingredient in vegetable and meat dishes, baked goods, sauces and desserts. It is used as a natural sugar substitute when baking confectionery products.

During the maple syrup harvesting season in Quebec, a holiday called “Sugar Hut” is held. The holiday takes place in the forest near the plots where maple sap is collected. On the holiday table you can find traditional dishes with fresh syrup: beer brewed with maple syrup, ham baked in syrup, omelet generously drizzled with maple syrup, beans baked in the oven with brisket and ham with sweet maple sauce. For children, caramels are prepared in their presence: using a spoon, hot syrup is poured into a tray with clean snow, then, while the syrup is still hot, it is wound on sticks. The result is lollipops that can be compared to our “cockerels”.

What is maple syrup?

Maple syrup is a sweet syrup made from the sap of maple trees. This is a traditional Canadian sweet sauce. The fact is that it is in this country that most of these trees grow. In addition, maples are found in some states of the United States of America.

Maple syrup is usually consumed with pancakes, pancakes and other baked goods. This ingredient is also added to various desserts and other dishes. The syrup tastes like regular sugar syrup, but has a light and pleasant woody taste. Color can vary from amber to light brown.

Story

The extraction of maple sap is most developed in Canada, where sugar maple grows in forests everywhere. It even became a national symbol: the image of a maple leaf can be seen on the country’s national flag. The main producer of syrup is Quebec.

The current residents of Quebec inherited the tradition of collecting maple sap from the Indians, who many years ago noticed the wonderful benefits of maple syrup and over several generations developed recipes for its production.

There are many traditions associated with the collection of maple sap. For example, with the beginning of the harvest season, residents of local villages organize a farewell to winter. This holiday is called “Boar-a-sucr”, and translated from French means “Sugar Hut”. In the immediate vicinity of maple sap collection sites, residents set up temporary houses and tables for guests, and install equipment for preparing various sweets using the sap. This holiday is highly revered by local residents. Children love to eat treats with maple syrup: pancakes with peasant butter and syrup, forest snow poured with a sweet tasty liquid, maple caramels prepared right there, right in front of people. And adults prefer meat dishes, which are also prepared right on the spot - clove ham baked in maple syrup, beans with ham and brisket in a sweet maple sauce and, of course, country beer made with maple sap.

It is also interesting that, despite the development of technologies that make it possible to automate almost all processes in the food industry, the collection of sap and the preparation of maple syrup is still carried out exclusively by hand. This gives it a special and unique taste, and dishes prepared with its addition - a unique charm.

In many ways, the process of extracting maple sap is similar to obtaining birch sap. A special diagonal cut is made on the maple, into which a stainless steel trench is inserted. The collected juice is taken to special “distillation” stations installed right in the forest. Here it is boiled over an open fire, evaporating, resulting in the purest maple syrup. To get one liter of syrup, you need to evaporate about forty liters of maple sap! Of course, this significantly increases the cost of the final product. But what joy it gives local residents to watch the cooking process!

But the processing and storage of this valuable product is trusted to the most modern technologies. All enterprises involved in the extraction of maple sap and syrup must meet the most stringent quality standards and regularly undergo government inspections.

Today, one of the most famous companies involved in the collection and processing of maple sap is the Quebec cooperative Citadel, which unites about three thousand independent sap collectors. The company was founded in 1925, and most of its members are hereditary juice collectors who inherited this activity from their great-grandfathers and fathers. Thanks to this, the company supplies the market with products of the highest quality, which is a recognized leader.

Uses of maple syrup

Maple syrup and products made from it (butter, sugar, jam) have become widespread in many countries around the world. Chefs of expensive and prestigious restaurants in Canada, the USA, Japan, France and other countries prepare the most exquisite dishes, of which this product is an integral component. These dishes are very popular, and many of them can be prepared at home. The syrup is served with pancakes, waffles, pancakes, and ice cream. It is used as an ingredient in meat dishes, baked goods, desserts, and sauces. The use of maple syrup has become widespread in the baking and confectionery industry as a natural alternative to sugar.

How is maple syrup made?

What is maple syrup made from? This natural syrup contains only maple sap and nothing else. The recipe is quite simple, but some equipment is required to obtain the juice:

• drill;
• tubes for draining juice from the trunk or corners;
• collection vessels;
• flat fire-resistant and heat-resistant container for evaporating moisture.

The juice is collected at a certain time, namely in the spring (approximately March to April). But at night the air temperature should drop below zero, and during the day it should be above zero. It is at this time that the juice becomes sweet and rich, as it actively circulates through the trunk due to temperature changes. And March is considered a particularly successful month; it is called the month of “crying maples.” If you collect the juice later, it will not be sweet.

It is important to choose the right tree. In general, almost all maples contain sap, but the sweetest sap is produced by sugar and black maples. But not all trees are suitable. So, young ones give juice with a small sugar content. The optimal age of the tree is 20-40 years. The diameter of the tree trunk should be no less than 20-25 centimeters. Sick or weakened trees are not suitable for harvesting.

Remember that it takes about 30-40 liters of juice to obtain 1 liter of syrup. It takes a lot of time to collect the juice, which is why the syrup is not cheap. After collection, evaporation is carried out. By the way, the juice contains about 96% water, so the evaporation process is very long.

Now the main stages of making syrup:

• First, they look for a suitable tree and, using a drill, make a hole in it with a diameter of about 1.5 centimeters and a depth of 5-10 centimeters.
• Then insert a tube into the hole and take its other end into the collection vessel. But instead, you can place a metal corner in the hole and hang a bucket on it.
• Now you will have to wait.
• When the required amount of juice has been collected, you can start evaporating it. Prepare a large container, such as a saucepan. But in industrial conditions, special heating units are used.
• The juice is evaporated until it acquires the required consistency, that is, it thickens. Density is checked using special devices - hydrometers. A syrup that is too thin will be tasteless, and a syrup that is too thick may become sugary.
• After evaporation, the syrup is filtered.

How to choose real syrup?

1. Taste: the syrup does not have a specific color; it can be either light honey or dark amber. The darker the syrup, the richer and more tart its taste.
2. This product is manufactured in Canada. US production is unlikely to reach Russia. A distinctive feature of real syrup is a small maple leaf on the label.
3. A volume of 200-250 ml cannot cost less than 400 rubles (with the exception of special promotions and discounts in markets).
4. The product is not allowed to contain sediment. It can have different shades of amber, but transparency is a prerequisite.

You can store the unopened syrup in a dark place. It is better to keep the opened bottle in the refrigerator.

Benefits of maple syrup

Maple syrup is very healthy. Here are some of its properties:

• The composition includes antioxidant substances, which, firstly, slow down the aging process of body tissues, and secondly, prevents the development of cancer.
• Maple syrup helps strengthen the immune system and protects against colds and infectious diseases.
• This product is useful for the cardiovascular system, as it strengthens blood vessels and makes their walls more elastic, protecting against atherosclerosis, and also nourishes and strengthens the heart muscle.
• Maple syrup is beneficial for the reproductive system, both female and male. Men's potency increases, and women can increase their chances of successful conception.
• If you consume the product in moderation, you can prevent the development of such a serious disease as diabetes. But people already suffering from this disease should limit their use of syrup.
• Maple syrup is an excellent source of energy. The carbohydrates contained here are completely absorbed by the body and spent on energy production, rather than going “in reserve”, turning into extra pounds.
• This product helps cleanse the liver and significantly improve its functioning.
• The substances included in the composition have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas and, therefore, improve blood circulation.
• Maple syrup has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic effects, so it is useful for inflammatory diseases.

Dessert antioxidants

Manganese is an important cofactor for many human enzymes. It is involved in the body's antioxidant defense against free radicals and energy production. It is necessary for the activity of superoxide dismutase, which counters oxidative stress in almost all cells of the body that come into contact with oxygen.

Please note that just one tablespoon of syrup contains more than 20% of your daily value for manganese.

Diabetes Benefits

As reported by United Press International (UPI), maple syrup may be important in lowering blood glucose levels.

This sweet product contains significant concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), a chemical that stimulates the pancreas to secrete insulin and increases insulin sensitivity in fat cells. It turns out that maple syrup in the future can become a very effective cure for diabetes.

Sweet syrup

Maple syrup can be very effective against progressive atherosclerosis due to its high concentration of zinc. This mineral is essential for the health of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels) and protection against the damaging effects of oxidized fats, particularly cholesterol.

Research by scientists from the Department of Medicine and the University of Turku (Finland) has shown that the endothelium is prone to damage due to zinc deficiency.

Maple sap syrup may provide another heart-healthy service by supplying the body with manganese and several other minerals that affect the levels of “bad” and “good” cholesterol in the blood.

Sweet help for the immune system

Zinc and manganese are important not only for protecting against free radicals and naturally cleansing blood vessels. These are reliable allies of our immune system.

Scientists have noted the relationship between deficiency of zinc and its derivatives and the number of different types of white blood cells in children, including T lymphocytes, macrophages, and B cells.

It turned out that a lack of zinc in the children's body led to a decrease in the number of leukocytes and the effectiveness of the immune response. Whereas the introduction of additional doses of the said mineral into the diet brought immunity back to normal.

Natural sources of manganese, such as maple syrup, have many health benefits. Manganese is not only a component of antioxidant defense, but also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and a good immunostimulant.

For men's health

Among the many benefits of maple syrup, there is one more that is extremely important for the reproductive health of men. Low levels of zinc in the prostate increase the risk of developing cancer. This mineral is often used by European therapists to reduce the size of this important gland.

Therefore, every man’s diet should contain high doses of zinc, as well as manganese, which is a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol and a participant in the production of sex hormones.

The harm of maple syrup

Such a natural product as maple syrup can practically not cause harm to health. And yet you should not abuse it, since it contains a fairly large amount of glucose.

How to store maple syrup

It is best to store syrup in a cool place protected from light.

Cost of maple syrup

The price of maple syrup varies between 300-700 rubles per 250 ml.

What to use maple syrup with

Maple syrup goes great with baked goods such as pancakes, pancakes, muffins, and more. Tea with syrup is also delicious. It can also be added to desserts.

Definitely try maple syrup if you haven't tried it yet.

Composition and beneficial properties

Maple syrup is produced without the use of chemical components; it is a natural product. It contains no fillers or preservatives. The syrup is rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus and potassium. It contains all representatives of vitamins from group B, including the rather rare thiamine. Maple syrup contains many antioxidants, among which you can find polyphenols, the action of which is aimed at combating cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This is a natural immunostimulant that enhances potency, prevents the progression of atherosclerosis and reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes. Maple syrup can be found in foods that are recommended for a healthy diet. This is a good alternative to jams, sugar and preserves.

Harm and contraindications

Maple syrup contains a large amount of glucose, so this product should be consumed in moderation.

Maple syrup is native to North America and is obtained from sap.
Norway maple, as well as sugar and red maple, growing only
on the North American continent.

The main production of this product is concentrated in Canada,
namely in the Canadian province of Quebec, and the United States.

Maple syrup is a natural product without dyes or preservatives, reminiscent of
amber honey. This product is not only tasty, but also healthy. It contains iron,
magnesium, potassium and calcium, phosphorus and other beneficial substances. It improves immunity,
slows down the natural aging processes of the skin and energizes the body.

Syrup is made from natural maple sap, the collection of which begins
in the spring season. Optimal conditions for collection are when the daytime temperature
rises above zero, and night falls below. This year it's spring in our
edges delayed a little and the maple sap collectors began their work
almost a month later.

The collected juice product is perishable and must be immediately
processed, so the syrup is often made right at the maple harvest site
juice. Plastic containers are installed among the trees, connected
a special mechanism and the juice goes directly for processing.

At the end of March we passed by one of these places and I wanted
watch how this happens. The owner happened to be nearby and, seeing,
that a car stopped at his property and drove up to us in his all-terrain vehicle.
-Can I come closer and take some pictures? - I asked.
-Of course you can, why not!

Having asked a couple of questions, I didn’t expect a tour with a detailed story,
but the young man enthusiastically began to explain all the details of the process
(see video).

To obtain maple sap, holes are drilled in the tree trunk.
with a diameter of up to one and a half centimeters and a depth of up to five centimeters
and insert special plastic tubes into them, through which the juice enters
directly into the evaporation tanks.

The collection process does not harm the tree and it can serve as a source of product
for many years. The resulting maple sap is boiled to achieve thickening
naturally.

To prepare 1 liter of syrup, you need to collect 40 liters of juice.Ready
the product thickens and decreases in weight by more than 30 times. Then the syrup
cool and pass through a filter to remove traces of crystallization.

Maple syrup is a product of natural origin and contains no sugar or
thickeners, no preservatives. It has different shades: from light golden
to rich amber, it depends on the type of tree from which the juice is extracted.
I thanked him for the detailed story and got ready to return to the car.
“Wait for me here, I’ll be back soon,” said the young man.

While I was looking at the sofa, which the owners put out on the road with a sign
"Free" he came back with a bottle of maple syrup as a gift to me.

Knowing that syrup is not a cheap pleasure, but such a bottle is worth
20 dollars, I wanted to pay for it. But he categorically
refused, although I insisted.

So I went home with a bottle of syrup, and someone may have left here
with a sofa. If none of the motorists passing by have a sofa
If you like it, the scavengers will take it away in a couple of days.