{"id":13960,"date":"2024-12-12T16:00:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T21:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/?p=13960"},"modified":"2025-04-14T20:18:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T00:18:59","slug":"from-grade-a-to-f-maple-syrup-vs-table-syrup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/from-grade-a-to-f-maple-syrup-vs-table-syrup\/","title":{"rendered":"From Grade A to F: Maple Syrup vs. Table Syrup"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Written by: Nicole Majewski<br \/>\nEdited by: Thy Pho<br \/>\nDesigned by: Alessa Zaitseva<br \/>\nPublished by: Maryam Khan<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\">A<\/span>s Canadians, the concept of fake maple syrup is sure to shock any of us. How is it possible that the term \u201csyrup\u201d may not always refer to the sweet amber concoction we all know and love? Unthinkable! How is it possible that there is actually a set of criteria that defines maple syrup, and much of what we\u2019re consuming may not even be the real deal? Unimaginable.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not to worry, though. Today, we\u2019ll cover everything you need to know about maple syrup, and how you can spot the cheaters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13962\" src=\"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-1-300x200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"596\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-1.png 1023w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 596px) 100vw, 596px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is maple syrup?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maple syrup begins as sap harvested directly from maple trees, before it is boiled down into a concentrated syrup. The term \u201cpure maple syrup\u201d formally refers to completely natural maple syrup and consists of 100% unrefined maple syrup. Maple syrup is renowned for its multidimensional flavours, which are difficult to even put into words. Beneath its authentically sweet maple taste, you can identify undertones of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and especially in darker grades, a slight nuttiness. Overall, real maple syrup\u2019s palette distinctly reflects the natural woodland it originates from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is maple syrup graded?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fascinatingly enough, not all maple syrup can simply be categorised as \u201cmaple syrup\u201d. There are several different \u201cgrades\u201d, which make up the grading system. The International Maple Syrup Institute grades maple syrup on four levels, primarily based on their colour, thickness, and flavour intensity:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade A Light Amber<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colour<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Light golden\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thickness<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span>Flavour Intensity<\/span><\/i><span>: Mild, delicate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade A Medium Amber:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colour<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Slightly light golden\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thickness<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Thin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flavour intensity<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Moderate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade A Dark Amber<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colour<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dark golden to brown<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span>Thickness<\/span><\/i><span>: Moderate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span>Flavour intensity<\/span><\/i><span>: Strong<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade A Very Dark<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colour<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dark brown to very dark brown<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span>Thickness<\/span><\/i><span>: Thick<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span>Flavour intensity<\/span><\/i><span>: Borderline intense<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Processing Grade: Maple syrup containing off-flavours or sediment<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, the first four\u2013and primary\u2013grades reflect the time of the season that the syrup was harvested in. Light Amber is harvested early into the season, while Very Dark Strong originates from sap collected at the season\u2019s end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13961\" src=\"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-2-300x225.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"567\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-2-510x382.png 510w, https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Syrup-2.png 512w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 567px) 100vw, 567px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is table syrup?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put simply, table syrup\u2013also known as pancake syrup\u2013is non-pure maple syrup. It\u2019s primarily made of corn syrup and artificial maple flavouring. Table syrup substitutes much of what characterises real maple syrup with artificial colours and flavours, like caramel colouring, as well as added preservatives and sugars. This dilutes the complex maple taste that pure maple syrup boasts\u2013typically substituting this original complexity with a bland sweetness. Table syrup also lacks the nutritional value of pure maple syrup, as it contains none of the same vitamins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you differentiate between the two?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite their differences, maple syrup and table syrup do often share visual similarities. So, how do you know what you\u2019re really eating? The best way to find out is by reading product labels. Real maple syrup will list just one ingredient; maple syrup! In contrast, table syrup will display a lengthy list of essentially anything <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">other <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">than that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another key giveaway you can find on the product\u2019s bottle is the Organic sticker\u2013or the lack of it. This sticker guarantees that what you\u2019re buying is certified pure maple syrup. To get an Organic sticker, the maple syrup must meet strict quality standards, so you can be sure that any bottle with that label is the real deal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than that, there\u2019s always the taste test! Once you\u2019ve tried real maple syrup, table syrup will seem starkly different. Most notably, table syrup consists of a much stronger sweetness, which can taste distinctly artificial. Additionally, you can take note of the syrup\u2019s consistency. All grades of maple syrup pour fairly easily, whereas table syrup is much thicker and consequently, pours much slower.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overall, maple syrup is a distinctly one-of-a-kind delicacy that remains unmatched by inauthentic table syrup. Now that you know the difference, and how to check which is which, you\u2019re on your way to becoming a maple syrup connoisseur! <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resources<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maplesyrupworld.com\/blog\/pure-maple-syrup-vs-table-syrup-whats-the-difference\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.maplesyrupworld.com\/blog\/pure-maple-syrup-vs-table-syrup-whats-the-difference\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floodwoods.com\/blogs\/news\/syrup-showdown-the-real-deal-on-maple-syrup-vs-pancake-syrup-1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.floodwoods.com\/blogs\/news\/syrup-showdown-the-real-deal-on-maple-syrup-vs-pancake-syrup-1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/biggle.ca\/blogs\/news\/complete-guide-maple-syrup-grades\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/biggle.ca\/blogs\/news\/complete-guide-maple-syrup-grades<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tastingtable.com\/737400\/real-vs-fake-maple-syrup-heres-how-to-tell-the-difference\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.tastingtable.com\/737400\/real-vs-fake-maple-syrup-heres-how-to-tell-the-difference\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Images<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8ax8b4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8ax8b4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Syrup_grades_large.JPG\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Syrup_grades_large.JPG<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As Canadians, the concept of fake maple syrup is sure to shock any of us. How is it possible that the term \u201csyrup\u201d may not always refer to the sweet amber concoction we all know and love? Unthinkable!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13960"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13960"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13960\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13966,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13960\/revisions\/13966"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13960"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13960"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seeds.ca\/schoolfoodgardens\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13960"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}