Spring has Sprung Sap in Algonquin Park
What a beautiful weekend we had. The sun was shining and the temperature was above zero. For me the official hallmark of spring is that the maple sap was running! We have numerous trees tapped and it is always exciting to lift the lid to the sap buckets and see what the trees have produced. I also like taking a drink or two straight from the tree- the sap has just a hint of sweetness and rumor has it (this is not proven) that this sap gives you lots of energy- it could also be the sunny spring weather or the sugar!
Boiling this sap is a lot of work- we (at home) do it over a wood stove which means we also spend most of the day splitting wood. But for some reason it is all worth it. Although maple syrup has no significant nutritional value it is a source of sweetness that is natural and has no artificial additives- and it is in my backyard!
I say ditch the fake pancake ‘syrups’ and spend a little extra for real maple syrup and support local Canadians! For those of you wanting to do more with maple syrup- check out Maple Syrup Popcorn on the Edge’s Recipe Blog (September 2006).
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