What kind of maple syrup do you like best?
It’s a Canadian staple, a natural sweetener, and features over 60 antioxidants (in fact, it has the same beneficial classes of antioxidant compounds found in berries, tomatoes, and flax). Compared to sugar, maple syrup is generally less refined, has more nutrients, and has a lower glycemic index … meaning it doesn’t impact your blood sugar levels as dramatically. But …
Not all maple syrup is created equal.
Not everything marketed as maple syrup is actually maple syrup! Make sure you’re buying actual maple syrup, rather than maple-flavoured syrup (which are upsettingly common, and loaded with refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup). Some products contain maple syrup but also contain filler ingredients. And, worst of all, non-organic maple syrup producers are not required to take care of the trees they tap sap from. I remember thinking of all things that needed to be organic, that maple syrup didn’t need to be since it’s naturally pure … sap from trees made into something so delicious! WRONG. I asked a small producer (who was certified organic) what the difference was between conventional and organic maple syrup at a trade show and we proceeded to have the most amazing and enlightening conversation. There are many differences between organic and non-organic maple syrup including where the maple trees are tapped, how the maple trees are tapped, how the sap is collected and stored, what kind of cleansers are used in the tree tubing, and what anti-foaming agents used in processing. You didn’t think maple syrup could be this complicated, did you? It’s actually pure and simple if you get the good stuff.
Always choose organic, pure maple syrup in glass bottles.
Find our tips on choosing the best maple syrup in The Wellness Intelligence Collective.
For more of our lessons in Empathy Economics click here.
