Generally, we strive to source most of the products we bring to the garden from local growers or producers. However, there are cases where this is not possible, such as with Maple syrup. While Maple trees belong to the Maple family, and we do have a close relative here in Israel called the Syrian Maple, unfortunately, it's not the variety from which Maple syrup is produced.
Therefore, in this case, we decided to go straight to the source and bring you an exceptional organic Maple syrup from the undisputed Maple superpower – Canada. To understand how significant this tree is to Canadians, you don't have to look far. Just look at their flag; you know the one, with the red leaf in the center. That leaf is a Maple leaf.
The fact that the bark of certain Maple varieties (primarily the Sugar Maple) contains a sweet liquid has been known to the indigenous peoples of North America since forever. They used the "sweet water of the tree" for cooking and even preserving meat, and to this day, it is used in the traditional cuisine of some tribes in Canada and parts of the northern United States. Collection techniques varied, but it typically involved making a V-shaped cut in the tree's bark, and the nectar that dripped out was collected in a vessel (often made from a dried gourd).
When the first European settlers arrived in the region, they too were introduced to this wonder (it's worth remembering that in the first few centuries after the discovery of America, sugar was still a valuable commodity in most of Europe). The earliest Western record we have of Maple sap collection comes from a French settler who witnessed such a collection in 1567.
From the early 18th century, Maple sap collection is described as a common practice among European settlers, who invented a special device to drill into the tree and milk the Maple tree. This liquid was boiled until the sugar reached its breaking point, in a way that is very reminiscent of making caramel, and voila – Maple syrup. That's essentially how Maple syrup is made today.
In 2016, someone attempted to calculate how many Maple trees equipped with tapping spouts there were in Canada and reached the staggering number of 47 million trees growing on nearly 12,000 farms and plantations for Maple syrup production.
Yes, Canadians love Maple syrup, and they're not the only ones. It's one of Canada's flagship export products, and I love Maple syrup too, especially the organic kind without added sugar. It's sweet enough, but it also has a deep flavor and aroma that regular sugar lacks.
It's obviously great with pancakes and waffles, but I've discovered that it can be used more creatively and sometimes I add a little Maple to roasted meat or poultry. So, get ready for a Canadian-flavored winter, add a bottle of Maple syrup to your next order, just the way Maple syrup should be. I promise you won't regret it.
