Vermont Maple Overview

Maple, the Official Flavor of Vermont!

Vermont is the largest producer of pure maple syrup in the US.   Vermont syrup meets high standards of quality, purity and density. Vermont's maple syrup is 100% natural with nothing added.  Our climate and soil conditions are perfect for producing the best maple syrup.  Sugaring helps Vermont to maintain it's rich agricultural heritage and beautiful landscape.

When you travel to Vermont be sure to include time for visiting sugarhouses--each one is different and has its own personality. From small, traditional sugarhouses deep in the woods to large sugarhouses using the latest technology, you can watch the pride and care that goes into producing Vermont's first agricultural product of the year. Vermont maple syrup is available in four grades or flavors, and is packed in plastic, metal and glass containers in a variety of sizes. Sugarmakers also produce many fine food products made from pure maple syrup which can be purchased from the maple farmers listed on this website.
 

Maple Products

Granulated Maple Sugar was first made by Native Americans and is still called "Indian Sugar" today.  It is made by boiling maple syrup until the temperature is 260 degrees F.  It is then stirred until it granulates. Then the sugar is sifted to make a uniformly sized product. The larger pieces are great to eat or use in hot cereals.

Maple Cream is made by boiling maple syrup to 232 degrees F, then rapidly cooling it to room temperature. It is then slowly stirred until it lightens in color and develops a smooth texture like a spreadable fudge.  It is wonderful on toast or muffins.

Maple Fudge is made by boiling maple syrup to 235 degrees F (soft ball stage)   It is then cooled to 160° then stirred until it begins to lighten in color and thicken. It is then poured into a buttered dish or pan.  Cool and cut.

Maple Sugar Cakes are made by boiling syrup to 244° F, then cooled to 200° F   The syrup is then stirred, either by hand with a spoon or with a commercial maple sugar candy machine. When the syrup begins to lighten, it is poured into food grade rubber, silicon or metal molds of different shapes and sizes.  Let cool completely before removing from the molds.

Hard Maple Sugar (block sugar) is made by boiling syrup to 246°  F , cooled to 210 degrees, stirred until it begins to lighten in color & poured into molds of various shapes and sizes.  It is harder than molded candies.  It can be shaved with a carrot peeler or broken into chunks for a sweet treat!  It makes a wonderful addition to a pot of baked beans! 

Other Products can be enhanced with maple syrup

Maple syrup is a wholesome, healthy ingredient for nearly any recipe.  It can be used as a glaze for meats & vegetables. It is wonderful when added to baked goods.   Try it in your favorite recipes.  Many of our visitors have discovered wonderful uses for this unique product.

Don't be fooled by imitations, read the label to be sure you are getting 100% pure Vermont Maple Syrup.