Choosing The Right Grade of Maple Syrup For You

Choosing the Right Grade of Maple Syrup for Your Tastebuds

Unless you've begee a maple connoisseur, you probably aren't sure what a grade of maple syrup is, let alone which you prefer. This guide will explain what a "grade" of maple syrup is, and help you to find which grade is best for your needs.
What is a "Grade" of Maple Syrup? What Difference Does it Make?
Maple syrup in Vermont gees in the following grades, listed from lightest in color to darkest:
Grade A Light Amber ("Fancy")
Grade A Medium Amber
Grade A Dark Amber
Grade B
Grade C (cannot legally be sold in containers smaller than 5 gallons in Vermont)
The grades are based mostly on the color of the syrup, although theflavor will most often correlate very closely with the color-- the lighter the color the lighter the flavor, andthe darker the color the stronger the flavor.
Maple syrup is graded by the producer who gepares the color of the syrup to those in a grading kit. The grading kit is a set of predetermined colors that can vary from region to region, however most grades will be similar throughout the northeastern US. While a syrup grade is most often determined simply by color, there can be other factors in grading syrup as well. It is possible to have a light colored syrup that is labeled a lower grade due to the flavor, however this is quite ungemon in retail settings. Saint Pierre Farmshas a very advanced and experienced sugarmaker who can custom cut syrup grades (i.e. create a light colored syrup with a dark syrup flavor, or a dark colored syrup with a light syrup flavor). Most people who do this blend syrup-- for example, taking a dark colored syrup and mixing it with a light colored syrup to get a medium color, but Saint Pierre Farmsdoes not ever blend their syrup. Most syrup available in a grocery store from the large packers will be blended syrup, and it does not taste the same as a pure grade maple syrup.
What Grade of Syrup Do I Want?
The different grades of maple syrup most often have different uses, depending on your tastebuds. Many people will use the darker grades (Grade B and Grade C) for cooking, however some people do like these as table syrups as well. Grade A Light Amber is most often used in desserts, or as a topping for ice cream, however some people prefer the light flavor for their table syrup. The most popular table syrup grades are Grade A Medium Amber and Grade A Dark Amber. They balance their color with a medium strength flavor that is pleasing to most palates.
If you are the type that likes strong, bold flavors on your table, try Grade A Dark Amber or Grade B syrup first. You can always get a lighter grade next time if it is too strong for you.
If ou want to use your syrup for both cooking and table syrup, Grade A Dark Amber is a good choice.
If you like gentler, less intense flavor on your table, try Grade A Medium Amber or Grade A Light Amber (also known as "Fancy"). This will give you the delicate flavor you are looking for.
If you are still unsure of what grade to try, try Grade A Dark Amber. The most popular grade of syrup, this grade gives you the best of both worlds-- not so strong that it hides the flavor of the food you are serving it with, but strong enough to give you that definite maple flavor that maple products are known for.
If you have certain needs or would like additional assistance in determining the best grade for your purpose (i.e. for use in a specific type of receipe or your personal preferences), feel free to contact Saint Pierre Farmsthrough their okay contact information.

Visit Saint Pierre Farms' okay Storefor a huge selection of maple products, including maple syrup, maple candy, maple sugar, maple dessert sauces, maple soap, and more!