Pure Maple Syrup
 

What is the difference between Grade A and Grade B?
Is there a lot of taste difference between Dark/Medium and Light Amber?

This will be my FIRST ever purchase of Pure Maple Syrup and was just curious.

Thanks

Here is some info from the Federation of Quebec maple syrup producers: http://www.siropderable.ca/Afficher....=149&langue=en

Normally #1 (Extra Light et al) and #2 (Amber) sell for the same price. Sometimes vendors try to sell Extra light as a premium product but actually the darker it is the more flavourful. You're actually better off buying Amber if you like the flavour.

It's a pure personal choice as to which one you prefer. Some people like the dark, some the light. Depending on where you are getting it there may be a sampler set that has some of each.

I grew up in Vermont, and I like Grade B Dark Amber best. In my opinion, it's most flavorful maple syrup you can get commercially, but some people find it too strong.

Glad to see a(nother) Vermonter chimed in on this one!

...it don't matter what grade or color, as long as it is PURE VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP!

Sampler packs are available that will allow you to choose your favorite, before taking the $50/gallon plunge. Just remember, don't drink it straight out of the bottle if you store it at room temperature.

I like the darker pure maple syrup. Commercially, Stonewall Kitchen has a very good maple syrup from Maine. I take it in my purse to restaurants because I can't stand the fake stuff. I thought I was the only one who did this but, one day, I saw someone else whip out his own maple syrup.

Bobette

Get the darker - it's better. I've had maple syrup* at the table since a kid, and have no idea if Grade A/B makes any difference.

*You don't need to say it's pure maple syrup. It's either maple syrup, or it's not. :p

Why dont you drink it straight out of the bottle?

Do you have to refreigerate it? Or is it like honey -- just keep it on the shelf. If it crystallizes, then just put it in under hot water.

I ordered a 32oz Highland Sugarworks Pure Organic Grade A Dark Amber Maple Syrup from Amazon. Should be here by Wednesday.

Since it comes straight from the tree without any preservatives, would you consider it a healthier option than bleached sugar for oats in the morning?

Report back and let us know how it is.

Dark Amber, grade B...very flavorable to me!
 

I always buy the Chardon, Ohio maple syrup, as it is local to me. I love the darker variety!

You'll need to refrigerate it after opening or else you'll start to get funky stuff growing in it.

That's not a bad price, $20, for a 32 oz. jug. I hope you like it because that much syrup is gonna last you quite a while. :)

Pure syrup will often develop a harmless mold on the surface if it's not refrigerated. It will also develop it in the fridge, but much slower. You want to skim that off before you use it if you don't store it in the fridge.

I hate to say this, but it's how I keep people away from the good stuff, they see the mold and don't touch it, I always keep it in a clear bottle :D

We have been gifted two quarts of Maple Syrup (dark) made by friends in Wisconsin the last two years.....mmmmm...good stuff....

BLiS Maple Syrup
 

Does anyone know anything about BLiS Maple Syrup? It was recently named to Saveur Magazine Chef's 100 Picks for 2010.

Their website describes it as follows: BLiS Bourbon Barrel Matured Pure Maple Syrup: Grade A dark amber pure maple syrup aged in specially selected 12-18 year old single barrel bourbon casks. The barrels are carefully agitated until the honey, charred oak, vanilla and spice notes are imparted into the maple syrup syrup for a pure, one-of-a-kind natural flavor. Bourbon Barrel takes maple syrup to new heights.

It sells at $18.95 / 375 ml. Seems like a lot for maple syrup!