For me the taste of pure maple syrup is equivalent to good and thick pancakes. I also love to use it in my baking as an unrefined and healthy alternative! It also adds great moisture and taste to baking, and best of all; it has a high nutritional value as it is all natural compared to white sugar.
Quick facts about maple syrup
Pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees. It is mainly produced in North-America and Canada. Maple syrup is divided in 5 different grades from extra light (AA) to dark (D).
For an overview of maple syrup compared to the other unrefined sugars check out the post “All you need to know about natural sugar”.
How to use maple syrup
Maple syrup is best used on pancakes or waffles, and also in baked goods. Used in baking or cooking it adds some darkness to the product, and when baking reduce the heat by ca. 25 degrees celsius.
Maple syrup as substitute for white and brown sugar: I prefer to substitute ca. 1 cup of granulated white or brown sugar for 3/4 cup of maple syrup. As it adds more moisture, remember to reduce the other liquid content in the recipe by ca. 3 tablespoons (1/4 cup) for every cup of maple syrup added.
Maple syrup as substitute for honey or Agave syrup: Use the same amount. Keep in mind that maple syrup is thinner than for example honey, this may cause a runnier result, but cut back on the liquids or add some more texture. Agave syrup is almost as thin in texture as maple syrup, but much sweeter.
Check out Facts about honey and Facts about Agave syrup to find out more.
Nutrition facts about maple syrup
Maple syrup contains ca. 90% sucrose, 3 % glucose and 1 % fructose. Maple syrup has a high glycemic index (GI), but is lower in calories than the other unrefined, liquid sugars and the nutritional value is much higher.
Maple syrup contains several minerals, and is especially high in manganese and zinc, which both enhance the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. Zinc also works as an antioxidant and reduces atherosclerosis by preventing endothelial damages. In 2011 researchers at the University of Rhode Island supported this and found that maple syrup is filled with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help prevent several chronic and inflammatory diseases.
Raw maple syrup
If you are on the raw-diet be sure to read the label, as very few maple syrups are raw. The ones that are raw are very expensive.
Make sure to buy the real deal, and not the “fake” Pancake syrup with maple syrup taste to get the health benefits!
Good luck experimenting with Maple syrup!