National Maple Syrup Day, celebrated annually on December 17th, honours the sweet, delicious, uniquely North American treat that is pure maple syrup. This day allows maple syrup enthusiasts, pastry chefs and home cooks to partake in the appreciation of this delectable staple ingredient.
Originating from the sap of a maple tree, this delightfully rich and natural sweetener showcases the biodiversity of our environment while adding a touch of sweetness to our lives.
History of National Maple Syrup Day
The usage of maple syrup in North America has a significant and extensive history. Native American tribes were the first to discover and utilize the sweet sap of maple trees as an essential food source. This process was later adopted by European settlers, leading to further expansion and development of the maple syrup production.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the production of maple syrup became a commercial venture. At this time, maple sugar was the primary sweetener in North America, and its production was encouraged to settlers by Benjamin Rush, a patriot during the American Revolution, viewing it as a more patriotic alternative to imported West Indian cane sugar.
However, as cane sugar production and import increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the maple sugar industry experienced a decline. Despite this, it was during this period that maple syrup became popular as a pancake topping, firmly establishing it as a classic breakfast staple.
Currently, most professional maple syrup manufacture takes place in the northeastern region of North America, most notably in Quebec, Canada, as well as in Vermont in the US. The appreciation of this traditional culinary treat is celebrated annually with the observance of National Maple Syrup Day, paying tribute to its rich history and significance in contemporary culinary culture.
National Maple Syrup Day Timeline
First Use of Maple Syrup by Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous tribes in North America were the first to discover the energy-rich and nutritious syrup.
European Colonists Discover Maple Syrup
European colonists learned about maple syrup from the indigenous peoples.
Large Scale Production of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup production expanded and it became a significant part of the North American economy.
Development of Modern Sap Collection
The development of the vacuum pump led to the modern sap collection system, making syrup collection far more efficient.
National Maple Syrup Day
A day dedicated to celebrating and recognizing maple syrup is celebrated every year on December 17th in the United States.
Ideas to Celebrate National Maple Syrup Day
Maple Syrup Tasting Party
Gatherings your friends and family for a special tasting event where you sample various types of maple syrup. You can pair them with different foods like French toast, pancakes or waffles and rate each one.
Bake-off with Maple Syrup
Organize a cooking or baking contest where the main ingredient must be maple syrup. Participants can create anything from maple-infused entrées, baked goods or desserts. It’s a delicious and fun way to appreciate this natural sweetener.
Visit a Maple Syrup Farm
Plan a trip to a local maple syrup farm if there is one in your area. Many farms offer tours and demonstrations, shows you how the syrup is made, from sap to syrup. Most tours conclude with a tasting.
Maple Syrup Donation Drive
Organize a local donation drive where everyone brings bottles of maple syrup. The collected syrups can be donated to local food banks or community centers to spread the joy of this natural sweetener on National Maple Syrup Day.
8 Interesting Facts About Maple Syrup
Origins of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup was originally prepared and used by indigenous peoples of North America long before the arrival of European settlers.
Symbol of Canada
Canada is the world’s leading producer of maple syrup, accounting for around 80% of the world's supply. It is often used as a symbol of Canada.
Maple Syrup Season
Maple syrup can only be produced in the spring. This is due to the freeze-thaw cycle that is needed to push the sap out of the tree.
Tree Age for Tapping
A maple tree should be at least 40 years old before its sap can be harvested.
Nutritional Value of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a source of manganese and riboflavin and contains a host of other minerals like potassium, calcium, and zinc.
Maple Syrup and Pancakes
Maple syrup is commonly used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and porridge. It is also used as an ingredient in baking, and as a sweetener or flavoring agent.
Grade of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is divided into two major grades: Grade A and Processing Grade. Grade A is further classified into four categories: Golden Color and Delicate Taste, Amber Color and Rich Taste, Dark Color and Robust Taste, and Very Dark and Strong Taste.
Sap to Syrup Ratio
It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of maple syrup.
National Maple Syrup Day FAQs
Next National Maple Syrup Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 17th | Sunday |
| 2024 | December 17th | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 17th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 17th | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 17th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 17th | |
National Maple Syrup Day Word Search
- Maple
- Syrup
- Breakfast
- Sweetness
- Pancake
- Canada