It may come as no surprise but one of the big things that Canadians are known for is in fact Maple Syrup. For some strange reason that is. Maybe it has to do with the fact that there are a lot of trees around here or even the fact that we have a big honking maple leaf on our flag. The reason for this could be something we may never find the answer to. Not that knowing an answer would really make a difference here anyway. Let’s talk about Canada and Maple Syrup! According to a 100% Canadian eh!

Most may understand the concept of how maple syrup is in fact made. Some may also have no idea. I will be only briefly talking about the process since I am not a professional in this department. Basically in the spring as sap warms up and starts to flow, maple syrup harvesters will collect the sap into buckets or through tubing. This is collected in a cabin where it is removed of debris (sticks or bark) and then boiled to remove the water. Leaving maple syrup! You need a whole lot of sap also to make a very small amount of maple syrup which may be one of the reasons why it is so expensive. But more on that later! If you have a child or you yourself have grown up in the Canadian school system in most if not all the provinces, there is a good chance that you have heard this story at least once but more often than not, more times during school as one of the lessons.

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One stereotype I can think of is people assuming everyone likes maple syrup. Though a large amount of people do enjoy it I personally enjoy regular store bought table syrup. Nothing really fancy about it. Or maybe a lot of people know how to make syrup. Though that my be true, it certainly is not the case. Maple syrup is mainly made in certain provinces like Quebec. However in order to make it you need to have a maple tree, that is where the sap comes from! It may take a very long time though if you are only using one tree. And one important thing also, if you do decide to tap your own sap, make sure to plug the hole again with a piece of wood so the tree doesn’t keep running!

If you are a fan of maple syrup it comes to no surprise how expensive it really is. Especially if you are buying Canadian maple syrup from a different country. Even here as a Canadian it is quite pricey. Whether or not you get it in  a fancy maple leaf glass bottle or you get it on a tin can. There is no denying the cost. Why is it so expensive? I honestly have no idea. Everything now a days is rising in costs however syrup has been quite expensive for some time. I assume it may be due to the way it is made and how you need a whole boat load of sap in order to make a tiny bottle of syrup. It also could be because or how long in general it takes to make. Sap does not flow quickly like water does that is for sure. None the less, most of the households I knew growing up would buy it for special occasions only. Though I am sure that there are some families who will only buy maple syrup for their homes.

A treat that originated in Quebec is maple taffy. This is when you take the syrup and boil it a little bit more so it becomes thicker. You then pour this liquid over the snow and when it starts to get cold you roll it onto a stick and eat it. Pretty simple and if you go to any sugar cabin where they make maple syrup you bet this is a tasty treat that is probably made there! Of course though you can make it at home after a fresh snow fall or as the snow melts in the spring! This is something that I know for sure I will be doing with my children during the colder months once they are a little bit older though!

Another reason why Maple Syrup is even now becoming more loved is the fact that is such a versatile type of condiment. From the thousands of desserts that you can make with it to the benefits in tea’s. This sweet golden liquid can even be added with soy sauce to make a great glaze for fish also. The syrup has the ability to sweeten a wide range of dishes and treats. Even if it does have a hefty price tag 99.9% of the time. Don’t forget the pancake and crepe uses that you would make on Sunday morning’s during the long weekends.

Overall, I cant say for sure how many Canadians may regularly buy maple syrup. I know my family and even extended maybe buy it once a year if that at all. For the amount of times per month that a family tends to eat pancakes or crepes or whatever in order to use maple syrup is more than likely extremely low. Does it taste great? Yes. But is it worth the price tag? Debatable. The bottle line I guess I am trying to say is this is totally as serious of a topic as the rest of the planet thinks that it is for Canadians.