National Maple Syrup Day

National Maple Syrup Day observed on December 17th cherishes the sweet, rich and sugary condiment that can enhance any bland dish with just a drizzle.

Though the precise origins of the day remain unclear, it's widely believed to have been established to celebrate the sweet, rich syrup that has been a cornerstone of North American cuisine for centuries.

Maple Syrup Day invites everyone to indulge in and savor the syrup’s unique flavor, typically enjoyed over pancakes, waffles, French toast, and a variety of other delicious treats.

Origins of Maple Syrup

The indigenous population in Northeastern North America were the very first ones to create maple sugar and maple syrup.

Several stories and evidences have found that proves that they were processing maple sap into syrup way before the arrival of European settlers. 

It is still unclear on how the tradition began, but there are several stories describing its early utilization. One such story tells how maple sap was used to cook venison for a chief. 

There are several rituals that indigenous tribes celebrate to make maple-syrup such as the Maple Dance during the Sugar Moon which is first full of spring. 

Maple syrup is often said to replace salt in many of their dishes. 

Another Indigenous group, The Algonquians acknowledged the maple sap as a good source of nutrition and energy. 

They also made V-shaped cuts in maple trees and used pieces of bark or reeds to transport the sap into clay baskets or buckets.  

The concentration of the sap were increased by freezing it overnight and then boiling it over large fires to make syrup. 

Some regions used hot stones, but they were dependent on clay pots that they have used for thousands of years. 

European colonists learned how to tap maple trees for sap from Indigenous peoples after they arrived. 

Early European explorers, like Jacques Cartier, used to drink maple sap during traveling and by the late 1600s, fur traders and settlers started making different maple products.

They used augers to drill holes in the trees instead of making cuts, and before the 1800s, maple sap was primarily used to produce sugar because cane sugar was costly to import.

Huge syrup-making parties were held in areas with several maple trees. Workers would drill holes in the trees, insert wooden sprouts, and hang buckets to collect the sap. 

These buckets were usually made from hollowed-out tree trunks and the sap was then ferried to a central location, usually on wagons or sleds, and made in large pots. 

After the sap was collected, it was poured into large containers and boiled till it became sweet and this was a very time-consuming process. This often happened in a “sugar shack,” a shelter built for this purpose.

During the time of American Civil War, around 1861-1865, syrup makers started using flat metal pans to boil the sap due to its efficiency over heavy iron kettles. 

With the popularity of cane sugar, producers prioritized the marketing of maple syrup. The first evaporator was patented in 1858 which helped to heat and concentrate sap. 

New methods started developing to speed up the boiling process and by 1900, tin pans with flues were being used to increase surface area heating. 

Then came plastic bags in place of buckets which made it easier to measure the quantity of sap collected and producers started using tractors for its transportation. 

They also experimented with tappers and tubing systems with motors even though these methods were very uncommon. 

Nowadays, different heating sources like oil, wood, or propane were used to improve filtration techniques and ensure the syrup is clean. 

In the 1970s, important improvements were made in maple syrup production. Plastic tubing systems were developed, so sap could flow directly from the trees to the evaporators.

Vacuum pumps were added to make the process more efficient, and reverse-osmosis machines helped remove some water from the sap before boiling.

Today, technology continues to enhance syrup production with new ways to care for trees and reduce contamination. Researchers are also looking into using younger trees to boost production in different climates.

Observing National Maple Syrup Day

To celebrate National Maple Syrup Day, prepare a delicious breakfast drizzled with warm maple syrup and add some fresh fruits or whipped cream to add that extra kick of flavor. 

If you live near a maple farm, you can take this opportunity to learn about the process of making syrup and the history. Many farms offer tasting and tours to provide a unique educations experience during the holiday season. 

For a creative touch, try making maple-themed crafts like decorations shaped like maple leaves or labels for homemade syrup. Share your favorite maple syrup recipes on social media to inspire others.