Which type of maple syrup is best?

It is healthier to stick to organic and pure maple syrup – or “real maple syrup” as it is sometimes called. I personally find that it has a more complex, richer and better taste to it, especially compared to lower-grade options.

What are the 4 grades of maple syrup?

Despite the variation on the outside, the syrup inside can only be one of four grades—Golden, Amber, Dark or Very Dark. Maple grades are made of two components, color and flavor, and the flavor corresponds with the color. The darker the syrup, the stronger the maple flavor.

What types of maple syrup are there?

Maple syrup is then classified into four distinct color classes: Golden, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark. Finally, all syrup is taste-tested to ensure that the flavor meets expectations for maple syrup’s characteristic deliciousness.

Is Grade A or B maple syrup better?

Maple syrup that is very sweet is therefore more popular and therefore gets the grade “A” rating while the darker, stronger and more flavorful varieties (which are not as sweet) are considered second best and are called grade “B”.

What grade maple syrup is healthiest?

Studies indicate that maple syrup is a decent source of antioxidants. One study found 24 different antioxidants in maple syrup (7). Darker syrups like Grade B supply more of these beneficial antioxidants than lighter ones ( 8 ). However, the total antioxidant content is still low compared to the large amounts of sugar.

Does maple syrup go bad?

Maple syrup will go bad if stored under improper conditions. To prevent spoilage, maple syrup should be stored in a cool, dark location such as a cupboard, refrigerator, or freezer.

Why is there no Grade B maple syrup?

Technically you can no longer buy grade B maple syrup. Grade B has been replaced with Grade A Very Dark (STRONG taste). The USDA adapted the grading system based on proposed changes from the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI).

Is dark maple syrup better than light?

As temperatures get warmer and the sap gets older throughout the season the sugar starts to naturally break down, these new sugars caramelize quicker when heated, thats why the syrup tends to be darker and have a stronger taste. Just like white/red wine and light/dark beer, neither is better, just personal preference.

Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated?

Once opened, you’ll need to store pure maple syrup in the fridge—since it’s a natural product with no preservatives, it can spoil or grow mold. If your syrup is not hot-packed, store it in the fridge (even if it’s unopened) and plan to consume it quickly.

What is the highest grade maple syrup?

Grade A: Very Dark & Strong Flavor

This grade is by far the most robust and maple-packed of all the grades. With the previous grading system, this syrup, which is the last to be tapped in the maple season, was actually not sold commercially.

Which is better amber or dark maple syrup?

Amber Color and Rich Taste: This amber colored syrup has a full-bodied and rich flavor. This grade is great as a topping and in coffee & tea. Dark Color and Robust Taste: Stronger and darker than the lighter grades, this has a robust and substantial flavor that is ideal for grilled, glazed, or baked dishes.

What is grade B maple syrup called now?

Grade B has been replaced with Grade A Very Dark (STRONG taste). The USDA adapted the grading system based on proposed changes from the International Maple Syrup Institute (IMSI).

Is grade A dark maple syrup the same as grade B?

Grade A is usually made from the maple sap collected at the beginning of the mapling season. Grade B maple syrup is much darker and has a stronger flavor. It also is a bit thicker, tending towards the consistency of pancake syrup rather than the runnier Grade A.

Should I refrigerate maple syrup?

Maple syrup should be kept in the refrigerator once it’s opened so as to discourage mold from growing on the syrup. Should mold grow on maple syrup, it’s safe and easy to remove.

What is healthier maple syrup or honey?

Real Maple Syrup has significantly more calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese than honey. These minerals do great work for your body including things like cell formation, maintaining healthy red blood cells, and immune support.

How can you tell if maple syrup is pure?

The easiest way to tell whether that maple-flavored syrup is legit is to read the label. Genuine maple syrup is purely made from maple sap that’s been boiled down until it reaches a syrupy consistency, and therefore will only have that lone listed ingredient.

What is floating in my maple syrup?

Maple Syrup mould (or bloom) is actually more common than you may think – especially in 100% pure Maple Syrup. DO NOT THROW IT AWAY – your Maple Syrup is completely salvageable. The mould that grows on Maple Syrup is a rare, weird little fungus knows as a xerophile.

Is mold in maple syrup harmful?

The good news is that the mold that grows in maple syrup is non-toxic (via Epler’s Maple Syrup). That means that if you splurged on a pricey bottle of the stuff and it got moldy, you don’t have to throw it out. Instead, remove the mold from the surface of the maple syrup, then heat it to boiling.