Maple Syrup
Also called maple sap
Maple syrup is boiled tree sap with a rich, woody flavor that's hard to mistake.
Flavor profile
Aroma: woody, sweet, caramel-like
Good to know
Origin: North America
Forms: grade A, grade B, dark, amber
Storage: Refrigerate after opening to prevent fermentation.
How to use maple syrup
Enhance Desserts
Swap in maple syrup for sugar; its invert sugars keep baked treats from drying out.
Create a Marinade
Grill meats with maple syrup and soy sauce; the sugars add caramel notes.
What goes with maple syrup
- Pecan. Maple syrup and pecans share a sweet, caramel-like note.
- Butter. Butter dissolves aromatic compounds in maple syrup for a smooth sauce.
- Bacon. Maple syrup's sweetness balances bacon's saltiness and adds contrasting texture.
- Walnut. Maple syrup and walnuts share furanones, which impart a sweet, nutty aroma.
- Apple. Maple's caramel and woody notes deepen apple's bright, tart flavor.
- Oats. Maple's caramel sweetness suits oats' nutty, toasty flavor.
- Pumpkin. Maple's caramel sweetness suits pumpkin's mild, earthy flesh.
- Sweet Potato. Maple's caramel sweetness deepens roasted sweet potato.
- Vinegar. Maple syrup's sweetness balances vinegar's acidity.
- Mustard. Mustard's acidity cuts maple syrup's sweetness, adding brightness to dressings.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much syrup can overpower everything with sucrose.
- Stored wrong, yeast might feast on its sugars and start fermenting.
Ideas for tonight
- Pour over pancakes or waffles for that classic touch.
- Sweeten granola bars or energy bites.
- Add to roasted nuts for a sweet-savory twist.
Maple Syrup: questions
What does maple syrup taste like?
Maple syrup is boiled tree sap with a rich, woody flavor that's hard to mistake. Its strongest notes are sweet, with an aroma that is woody, sweet, caramel-like.
What goes well with maple syrup?
Maple Syrup pairs best with pecan, butter, bacon, walnut, apple. Maple syrup and pecans share a sweet, caramel-like note.
How do you use maple syrup in cooking?
Enhance Desserts: swap in maple syrup for sugar; its invert sugars keep baked treats from drying out.
How should you store maple syrup?
Refrigerate after opening to prevent fermentation.
What is the most common mistake with maple syrup?
Too much syrup can overpower everything with sucrose.
