Not All Maple Syrup Is Created Equal… Here’s Why
We’ve been beating the drum about offering you the best maple syrup of the season but what exactly does that mean? As we’ve explained, maple syrup is made when sap from the tree is collected and boiled down to syrup. But not all syrup turns out like the dreamy ambrosia that you have come to know as pure maple syrup. Natural variables like temperature and timing can cause off-flavors. Occasionally, it is operator error.
Recently, Proctor, the University of Vermont’s Maple Research Center (yes, we have one of those) developed a kit with off-tasting syrup so producers can taste for themselves what they DON’T want. This is not stuff you want to put on your pancakes but it is hugely helpful to sugarmakers so they can determine what is going on with the less-than-great batches. For those who enjoy a deep dive into maple, here is the list of syrup flavors gone awry. It also demonstrates why it is so important that we taste every barrel to make sure you get the best of the season. Consider us your Guardians of Breakfast Excellence.
- Metabolism off-flavor: can and often does show up at any time of the season, particularly around rapid shifts in temperature. Metabolism syrup has been described as woody, popcorn, or cardboard flavored.
- Sour Sap off-flavor: this is usually the result of sap being held too long in warm temperatures, which can promote the growth of microorganisms. This syrup can have a slightly ropy appearance or texture and can have a sour taste.
- Buddy off-flavor: almost always produced at the very end of season, when the trees are exiting their winter state and entering their spring bloom. Buddy syrup is often described as having a chocolate or Tootsie Roll flavor.
So the next time you drizzle Runamok on pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, know that it’s passed the ultimate taste test. Boil by boil, barrel by barrel, we make sure buddy, sour, metabolised, even sub-par syrups don’t make it to your pantry, making sure only the most delicious maple syrup makes it to your table.