National Maple Syrup Day

National Maple Syrup Day History

National Maple Syrup Day celebrates the sweet syrup produced from the sap of sugar maple trees. This occasion seeks to recognize the cultural and historical significance of maple syrup, as well as its importance to the economy. Activities on this day raise awareness about the various traditions and practices of producing maple syrup, and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the producers involved.

The observance can be traced back to the indigenous peoples of North America, who discovered the process of collecting and boiling maple sap to create syrup. In the United States, Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup and contributes to around 40% of the total national production. The maple syrup industry holds great economic importance in the country, generating over $140 million in revenue annually. The United States is also the second-largest consumer of maple syrup in the world, with American families using the sweet condiment in a variety of traditional recipes, such as pancakes, waffles, and as a natural sweetener in various dishes.

On National Maple Syrup Day, Americans celebrate by indulging in their favorite maple-infused dishes and sharing recipes that use this delectable syrup. Many producers host open tours of their syrup processing facilities to educate people on the traditional methods and techniques that go into the making of maple syrup. In addition, restaurants and cafes may offer themed menus, showcasing their love for this versatile ingredient. National Maple Syrup Day is celebrated every year on December 17th.

National Maple Syrup Day facts

• Maple syrup contains more than 20 antioxidants. It also contains compounds that help prevent cancer.
• One gallon of maple syrup requires forty gallons of maple sap. Most trees however only yield 5 to 15 gallons of sap per season.
• The process of extracting sap for maple syrup doesn't harm the tree. A single tree can be tapped for sap over 100 years.
• Quebec, Canada produces 2/3 of the world's supply of maple syrup.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Maple Syrup Day

Top things to do in the US for National Maple Syrup Day

• Enjoy some maple syrup. There are a variety of syrup flavors. Some examples are Aunt Jemima's, Mrs. Butterworth's, or Hungry Jacks. All taste good, but you might enjoy one more than the others so find your favorite.
• Make your own maple syrup.
  1) Find a maple tree, preferably a sugar maple tree.
  2) Get your tap and drill a hole a couple inches deep into the tree.
  3) Use your tap to collect sap. You'll need several gallons to make syrup.
  4) Boil your sap. It is best to do this outdoors as there may bea lot of steam.
  5) Store your syrup in a cool area like the fridge.
• Add maple syrup to different food items. Pancakes are a popular pairing but there are plenty of other foods you can use syrup on. Some examples include popcorn, pie, roasted vegetables, you can even try it in a cocktail.
• If you live in an area where maple trees grow, you could try collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup yourself.