The maple syrup is obtained from the sap of particular types of maple . It is a sweet liquid with a delicate flavor originally from North America and produced mainly in Canada.
Maple sap is harvested in early spring; the traditional method involves drilling holes in the adult trees of Acer saccharum and Acer Nigrum, about a meter from the ground, into which a small tube is introduced to drain the sap.
The sap is then boiled in order to become more concentrated . The product thus obtained can be more or less refined; the most valuable varieties are those of grade A, which have an amber color. Then there is maple syrup of grade B and grade C, darker in color.
To obtain a liter of maple syrup I need about 40 liters of sap. And this also justifies the price, not really economic or.
Maple syrup, calories and other properties
Maple syrup is one of the least caloric sweeteners, and is second only to stevia and agave juice. Contains just over 250 calories per 100 grams of product.
It can be considered a supplement of fast-absorbing sugars and minerals . It contains a fair amount of sucrose and is rich above all in potassium and calcium, but also provides iron, zinc, selenium and vitamins of the B group.
The maple syrup has antioxidant qualities that make it a valid aid against cellular aging; it seems that phenolic compounds are produced by the plant as a defense mechanism when it is incised to extract the sap.
The maple syrup has diuretic and purifying properties which, combined with the lower caloric content of most sweeteners, make it one of the preferred sweeteners even when you want to lose a few pounds . Of course, we must still pay attention to the quantities.
Maple syrup: cost and where to buy
Maple syrup, how to use it
Maple syrup is one of the main ingredients of breakfast in the United States. It is used above all to sweeten pancakes but can be used as a substitute for sugar in all and all, that is, for example, for sweetening coffee, tea and herbal teas; to make cakes, muffins, biscuits and other baked goods; to garnish waffles and pancakes; in recipes with a sweet and sour taste.
Thanks to its qualities, it can be used diluted in water, before a sports training, as a natural supplement of sugars and mineral salts.
A teaspoon of maple syrup in a glass of hot water and lemon juice, in the morning, on an empty stomach, is one of the most effective detox remedies and can always be useful, but especially after periods of food exhaustion, for example after Christmas holidays.
Maple syrup is a sweetener suitable for everyone and is a much healthier and more natural alternative to sugar.
It can also be offered to children from the early stages of weaning, for example to sweeten baby food and natural yogurt.
