Maple Syrup

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Maple syrup is a 100% alternative to sugar, which can be safely used by people suffering from diabetes. Although unpopular in our country, maple syrup is considered one of the healthiest natural products that can bring many benefits to human health.

In essence, maple syrup is a sweetener derived from the juice of sugar maple, as a good and quality syrup has a light and unobtrusive taste of wood. When and how exactly humans first obtained maple syrup is not clear, but there is evidence that even before the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus, the Indians used maple syrup, produced by the same technology as today.

History also preserves the fact that in the 18th century the production of maple sugar was almost stopped and drastically reduced, because at that time the boom in the distribution and mass cultivation of sugar cane. Unlike the magic maple juice, beet sugar is extracted much cheaper.

Canada is the country where maple syrup is a trademark. In any case, sugar maple grows only in North America, and Canadian maple syrup is considered the best and with many health benefits. There are 3 types of maple syrup categorization: Class 1 (Extra light), also known as "AA", Light (light) - "A", Middle class - "B", Amber (amber) - "C" and Dark (dark) - “D”

Interestingly, 80% of the world's maple syrup is produced in the Canadian province of Quebec. Maple juice is usually collected in early spring, between late February and late April. The sweetest maple syrup is obtained in March, because then the trees are sprinkled with leaf buds, during the day the temperature is above zero, and at night - below zero.

Maple syrup is completely free of fat and the organic product, although quite sweet, is a dietary product. Maple syrup is a 100 percent alternative to sugar in all its cooking applications.

Maple syrup production technology

The extraction of this useful and tasty liquid follows a simple technology from time immemorial to the present day. Holes with a diameter of 1.5 cm and a depth of 5 cm are drilled in the trunk of the tree. Tubes are inserted into them, through which the sweet juice flows directly into the necessary vessels. This juice contains 96% water.

In order to thicken the maple juice collected in this way, it must be evaporated and in the end the real maple syrup is obtained, and the evaporation itself requires a lot of time. It is important to note that no sugar, preservatives, colors or flavors are added to it. On average, about 1 liter of maple syrup or soft maple sugar is obtained from 40 liters of maple juice.

Composition of maple syrup

Useful maple syrup contains virtually no fat. Instead of harmful sucrose, it contains sweet glucose made from wood and a large amount of useful trace elements.

High concentrations of phytohormones and in particular abscisic acid are found in the composition of maple syrup. Class C maple syrup has fewer vitamins and minerals than class A syrup because class A syrup is extracted first, followed by class C syrup.

Characteristic of maple syrup with index A is that it is not so sweet and has pronounced dietary properties. In general, maple syrup is very rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and vitamins B1, B2, B6, C. Maple syrup is rich in minerals of natural origin such as zinc, thiamine and calcium and many other biologically active compounds that are extremely useful for our health.

Selection and storage of maple syrup

Class C maple syrup is more expensive than class A. When choosing from the magic drink, in addition to the price, it is good to be guided by the texture and color. Look at the bottle - the liquid in it should be translucent without any sediment and have a dark amber color.

Once you open the maple syrup bottle, be sure to keep it tightly closed with the cap in a cool place. To preserve the properties of the syrup, it must be in the refrigerator. The price of one bottle of maple syrup (250 ml) of class A is about BGN 20-21. Class C reaches BGN 50-60.

Culinary use of maple syrup

The combination of American pancakes and maple syrup is a real classic. The good news, however, is that maple syrup can be used successfully in both pastries and savory dishes. As a sugar substitute, maple syrup is used in beverages and all types of confectionery. Compared to class A, class C maple syrup is much sweeter and is widely used in cooking. It is used to make many cakes, pancakes, cakes, pies and more.

Benefits of maple syrup

Natural maple syrup is an environmentally friendly product with proven dietary properties. It is used in diets for weight loss, to purify the body and reduce body weight. Maple syrup is considered a powerful and effective remedy, and it is also very effective in preventing cancer, diabetes and obesity.

Scientists have found more than 20 antioxidant compounds in maple syrup that are effective in preventing cancer and have strong antibacterial properties. It contains high concentrations of phytohormones and in particular abscisic acid, which provide natural protection against diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The antioxidants in maple syrup are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. They neutralize free radicals and protect the body from their dangerous effects.

Canadian scientists have definitely proven that maple syrup is most effective in fighting the growth of cancer cells in the brain, prostate, lungs in the breast.

In addition to this important function, maple syrup is loved by many diets for weight loss.

A number of studies over the years have proven the importance of maple syrup in maintaining a strong immune system. It contains large amounts of such useful zinc and manganese, and their lack in the body leads to a decrease in the number of white blood cells, which significantly weakens the immune system.

Consumption of maple syrup is believed to be extremely beneficial for the male reproductive system. The zinc in maple syrup has a beneficial effect on prostate health. Researchers claim that insufficient intake of important minerals increases the risk of prostate cancer. That is why men must get the minerals they need, and maple syrup is a very tasty way to do it.

The benefits of maple syrup do not end there. It supports heart health, again thanks to the high amounts of zinc in its composition. The presence of zinc in maple syrup is an excellent way to protect the heart from dangerous diseases such as atherosclerosis, stroke and other cardiovascular events. Zinc also protects against the harmful effects of bad cholesterol.

Diet with maple syrup

It turns out that maple syrup is the main and constant ingredient in the famous Master Cleanse diet, which includes freshly squeezed lemon juice, hot red pepper, maple syrup and water.

Not one or two Hollywood stars, including Beyonce, claim that this diet has worked wonders for their body in a relatively short period of time. The diet quickly reduces weight because it cleanses the body of pesticides and chemical food additives.

This 7-10-day lemon diet successfully removes toxins and stimulates the digestive system. Natural foods and water are taken during the diet and no fasting is required. Fruits, vegetables and fish are allowed, home-made lemonade of 2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, 30 ml of filtered water and 2 tsp.organic maple syrup, 1 pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Harm from maple syrup

Although it has a number of health benefits, maple syrup also carries some risks. Although it contains important nutrients and essential antioxidants, it is very high in sugar. This means that it is not useful for diabetics and obese people. It should not be consumed in excessive doses, but in moderation so that the maximum benefits can be derived from it.