Maple Products: Benefits and Uses
Everything you need to know about maple products, their benefits and uses.
We are fortunate and blessed to be one of the few places on the planet to enjoy the delights of maple. Derived from the soft, sweet sap of the maple tree (Acer), maple products have a unique flavor, well known to Canadians. But are you taking full advantage of these products from our local agriculture? Discover the multitude of maple products, their benefits and their uses.
The benefits of maple products
Sugar products derived from maple sap are much healthier than refined sugars. Rich in minerals, maple products contain antioxidants that help maintain good health.
The purity of maple products is always assured. On the Canadian market, all maple products are non-GMO, gluten-free and 100% vegan. What's more, you can rest assured that maple products are 100% pure, contain no preservatives or fillers, and are free of artificial colors and flavors.
It goes without saying, however, that maple products are rich in sugar. As many studies have shown, too much sugar is very bad for your health (see article on sugar and health). Rather than trying to add maple products to your diet, try replacing refined sugars with maple products.
Maple syrup
Obtained by boiling maple sap, maple syrup is available in a variety of colors and grades. It is rich in manganese, riboflavin and zinc, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
Grade B maple syrup is a dark, strong-tasting syrup. It is mainly used in cooking to enhance the flavor of foods, but would benefit from a more versatile use. It is the most nutritious maple syrup.
Grade A maple syrup maple syrup is available in various shades, from golden to amber to dark. The paler the color, the more subtle the taste. Conversely, the darker the syrup, the stronger the taste and the richer in minerals.
Maple syrup is a healthier alternative to other sweeteners, and less harmful to our health. What's more, maple syrup could prevent the onset of certain neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's.
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Culinary suggestions
Make a vinaigrette with sesame oil, wine vinegar and maple syrup.
Marinate a salmon fillet in tamari, maple syrup and garlic.
Replace the sugar in your coffee with a drop of maple syrup.
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Sugar and maple flakes
Sugar and maple flakes are obtained by boiling maple sap, so that the water evaporates and the sugar crystallizes.
Despite their sweet taste, these maple products have a lower glycemic index (a measure of the impact of sugar on blood sugar levels) than table sugar, beet sugar and honey. This makes them a healthy choice that minimizes the harmful effects of sugar on health. What's more, some sources cite maple sugar as a safer alternative for diabetics, albeit one that's less harmful than table sugar. debate still persists.
Since maple sugar and maple flakes are made from maple syrup concentrate, they are sweeter than syrup. In fact, 85% of the finished product is sugar. So don't overdo it.
Like maple syrup, sugar and maple flakes are good sources of manganese, riboflavin and zinc, as well as iron.
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Culinary suggestions
Sprinkle your oatmeal with maple sugar before adding a handful of walnuts.
Replace table sugar with maple sugar in your recipes and desserts.
Add maple flakes to toast spread with nut butter.
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Maple water
Maple water is simply the sap of the maple tree (Acer). It's a healthy product that undergoes no processing whatsoever. Maple water is a nutritious, refreshing beverage with a subtle hint of maple flavor.
Maple water is a healthy, local alternative to coconut water. As well as being low in sugar (less than 2%), it's packed with antioxidants and minerals.
Because of this mineral contribution, maple water is considered a good support for bone health and density. Certain minerals in maple water, including magnesium, calcium and potassium, also promote good arterial health. In addition, some studies have demonstrated a positive effect on the immune system, as maple water stimulates immune activity and promotes the elimination of foreign bacteria.
This beverage is rapidly gaining in popularity among athletes, who can hope to avoid muscle cramps and exhaustion during physical activity thanks to its balanced intake of sugars and electrolytes.
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Culinary suggestions
Use maple water as a base drink in a smoothie.
Add a pinch of salt to the maple water for an electrolyte drink.
Drink maple water to wean yourself off commercial juices.
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La Boite à Grains is proud to offer you a variety of locally grown and organic maple products. Come and see us in store or store directly on our website for top-quality maple products.
About the author
Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains
Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.
Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath