How is maple sugar made?

Different techniques for transforming sap into sugar

Tree tapping techniques tend to vary. But to harvest maple sap, First Nations people make a V-shaped cut using a tomahawk. They insert a piece of wood in place of this cut to collect the sap. They then place a basket at the foot of the tree. The resulting liquid is dark and thick. Nations use various methods for the transformation of this sap :

Cryoconcentration

This simple method does not require cooking. The collected sap remains in a bucket and spends the night outside exposed to the cold. The water contained in the sap turns into ice crystals. The artisans remove them in the morning. This process is repeated day after day. A transparent syrup with a high sugar content is obtained.

Evaporation

The Algonquians opted for this technique. They would heat stones in the fire before throwing them into the container containing maple sap. This heat caused the water to evaporate and the sap to thicken. It then turned into a dark syrup.

Cooking

The Iroquoian nations used a birch bark container that they hung over the fire to cause even faster evaporation. They then stirred the liquid with a wooden spatula until it thickened. The cooking was prolonged to obtain taffy. Further prolongation of the cooking gives maple sugarIt is easy to transport and keeps for a long time.

Can maple syrup be replaced with maple sugar?

First of all, it should be emphasized that maple syrup contains 2/3 sucrose in its composition formula. When consumed in excess, it can lead to various diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Also, its consumption is associated with the practice of endurance sports.

But then how to replace maple sugar using maple syrup ? When following the recipe, you should use twice as much syrup as sugar.

How to make maple sugar from maple syrup?

Some people would like to have some maple sugar, but only have syrup in their cupboard. Luckily, maple sugar can be made with maple syrup. First of all, you should know that maple sugar is a very good substitute for white sugar. This alternative is much healthier.

For the record, we should know that Canadian colonists provide themselves with sugar thanks to the maple trees on their land. They kept the maple sugar for special occasions. Let's go back to the stages of transforming maple syrup into sugar.

Choosing your syrup

All maple syrup classes can be processed into maple sugar. Light amber syrup remains easier to process, but it is often more expensive.

Gather your utensils

Besides the syrup, different kitchen utensils are required, such as:

- A pot with raised edges and a thick bottom

- Half a tablespoon of butter

- A candy thermometer

- A stand mixer

Those who don't have a stand mixer can always use an electric hand mixer or a wooden spoon.

Boil your syrup

Start by rubbing a strip of butter inside the pot and on the edges to prevent the syrup from overflowing. Pour the syrup into the pot, avoiding filling it. Heat everything over high heat until the temperature reaches 124 °C.

Mix the preparation

When the syrup reaches the desired temperature, pour it into a mixing bowl and stir. This step requires a spoon or a stand mixer. Continue stirring until the syrup is creamy and sends out small puffs of steam. The sugar becomes grainy. The final result is a white, soft sugar.

Storing maple sugar

Sugar must be allowed to cool before storing it in an airtight container. To do this, choose a container with a tight lid. Sugar can be stored at room temperature and indefinitely.

Consume your maple sugar

Maple sugar is used in the same way as white sugar. However, it has an even more delicious flavor in pies and hot drinks. Fine and fluffy, it accompanies pudding and cream. It gives a honeyed taste to infusions and can even be used in flan and caramel.

Discover our maple sugars

At Les Trésors d'Érable, we invite consumers to discover our different packages of maple sugar. Our maple sugar stands out with its delicate caramel and hazelnut flavors. This delicacy enhances the taste of cocktails and culinary preparations.

We also have fine maple sugar that is used to accompany yogurt, fromage blanc, waffles and pancakes. By treating yourself to some organic maple sugar With us, buyers discover the virtues of this natural sweetener characterized by a low glycemic index.

Our organic maple sugar presented in flake form is incorporated into pastry recipes to enhance their flavors. We also offer pure maple sugar nuggets. It enhances ice cream cups as well as fruits by bringing a touch of fantasy. Our maple products are free of preservatives and suitable for everyone.