Maple syrup is a sweet liquid obtained from the sap of two varieties of maple : Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and Acer saccharum nigrum (black maple). There are in fact different varieties of maple grown all over the world but the syrup is mainly obtained from the sap of some Canadian maple species (widespread especially in Québec), which is why precisely in those lands this natural product is particularly appreciated and consumed.
Since ancient times, local populations used to extract the sap of these trees to obtain crystals useful for sweetening food, only with time did the production of the real syrup be experienced.
Maple syrup, how it is made
The sap of the maple is extracted in spring (March-April) then boiled in order to obtain the syrup. The price of the product is quite high but this is also justified by the fact that 40 liters of sap are needed to obtain a liter of product.
Lymph extraction does not seem to be a process that makes the tree suffer and the same trees are used several times to produce the syrup in different vintages.
Maple syrup properties
Maple syrup is rich in properties and beneficial substances for our body . Mineral salts such as potassium, calcium and iron but also vitamins and malic acid stand out above all.
It is therefore a product that on the one hand is remineralizing and energizing and on the other purifying and draining . Excellent food to ensure a certain dose of antioxidants that help fight cellular aging and help the well-being of the skin.
Maple syrup helps the digestive and intestinal systems, has few calories and is also an ally of those on a diet as it reactivates the thermogenesis of fats ( that is, it has fat-burning qualities ). It is a natural product also appreciated for its medium glycemic index, which is lower than that of other sweeteners.
A US study of a few years ago has also highlighted how some substances present in particular in Quebec maple syrup would be able to inhibit two enzymes responsible for hydrolyzing carbohydrates and therefore it would be a particularly useful product to manage diabetes type 2.
In summary, the maple syrup is:
• Rich in mineral salts and vitamins
• Antioxidant
• Purifying
• Draining
• Energizing
• Helps the digestive and intestinal system
• Has few calories
• Average glycemic index
• Reactivates thermogenesis of fats
Maple syrup, benefits
Maple syrup is a perfect product for both adults and children . In addition to sweetening you can take advantage of its benefits by using it as a real supplement of mineral salts , vitamins and antioxidants when there is more need or after training in the case of sportsmen.
Those on a diet, then, can take advantage of the ability of this syrup to drain excess liquids.It is therefore a product recommended for those who have problems with the lymphatic system.
The purifying but also soothing and rebalancing qualities on the gastrointestinal system make it a natural remedy suitable to fight colitis, gastritis or constipation.
You can try maple syrup:
• As a more natural alternative to sugar
• As a natural supplement even after sport
• When you are on a diet
• If you need to drain fluids
• Against colitis , gastritis or constipation
Maple syrup, calories
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener less caloric than others, in fact it provides about 250 calories per 100 grams. It is in third place after stevia and molasses in the ranking of less calorie sweeteners.
Use of maple syrup
Maple syrup is an excellent substitute for sugar and other sweeteners. It can be used safely to sweeten cold or hot drinks, cakes, biscuits, smoothies, spoon desserts and to prepare candies or lollipops, etc.
As the American tradition teaches, maple syrup is perfect on pancakes , of pancakes of which there are many variations and which can be enjoyed for breakfast or snack sweetened with maple syrup or stuffed with other ingredients.
In summary, maple syrup can be used to sweeten:
• Drinks
• Smoothies
• Cakes
• Cookies
• Spoon desserts
• Pancakes
But also to achieve:
• Candies.
• Lollipops
If you want to use maple syrup in sweet preparations instead of traditional sugar, keep in mind that the conversion takes 75 grams of maple syrup (grade A) for every 100 grams of refined sugar . It will then be your specific taste that will better calibrate the use of this natural sweetener in subsequent preparations.
Natural supplement made from maple syrup: recipe
There is also a use of maple syrup for detoxifying and purifying purposes. The most classic recipe involves combining the juice of a whole lemon and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with a liter and a half of water, sipping several times during the day but always between meals.
Maple syrup, which one to choose
There are several varieties of maple syrup classified with “grade” A, B or C that are recognized because the color of the liquid is more or less clear and the consistency more or less full-bodied. This mainly depends on how much the sap has been boiled even if other variables exist.
The most common maple syrup is the clear one which is also the most refined while the most difficult to find is the intense and dark one (grade C maple syrup), more full-bodied and which resembles molasses with a slight aftertaste of molasses.
n summary, maple syrup can be:
• Grade A : lighter and more refined with a sweet taste
• Grade B : a middle ground between A and C
• Grade C : darker, intense and full-bodied
The best syrup that we recommend is that of Canadian origin of biological origin and 100% pure or made without using other ingredients or additives.
Maple syrup, where to find it and price
Good quality maple syrup can be purchased in supermarkets, organic food stores, well-stocked herbalists but also online . The price for 250 ml of product starts at around 8 euros but for particularly valuable varieties it can even reach 15 euros.
Maple syrup, contraindications
Since it is a sweetener with an average glycemic index, the use of maple syrup in people with diabetes is not recommended unless otherwise medical advice is given . In some cases then it is possible to have allergic reactions to the product .
Maple syrup, cosmetic uses
Do you know that maple syrup is also suitable for cosmetic uses? Precisely for its remineralized and antioxidant qualities, it can be used both to create toning and anti-aging creams for the body and products designed for the well-being of the hair. A simple reinforcing recipe for hair, for example, combines 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 of maple syrup , keep them on for about 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
