Frequently Asked Questions

What do the different Maple Syrup grades mean?

Starting in 2015, the USDA made the following syrup grading system the national standard.

Grade A Golden Color and Delicate Taste:

Made from the first sap of the season, this syrup is very light in body, color, and taste. It's a luxurious addition to ice cream, yogurt, crepes, or pancakes. It's delicate, so be sure the culinary backdrop allows it to shine.

Grade A Amber Color and Rich Taste:

More body, more color, and a richer, sweeter taste than Grade A Golden. This is a syrup that's great over pancakes, waffles, french toast or ice cream; stirred into coffee, tea, or cocktails; or added to vinaigrette or sauces.

Grade A Dark Color and Robust Taste:

Of the consumer grades it is the most full-bodied, deeply colored, and robust tasting. Mostly used for cooking to add a significant maple flavor but many who love a deep maple taste will absolutely smother their pancakes with this thick and robust syrup.

 

What happened to Grade A Light Amber (Fancy), Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B Extra Dark?

Many grew up understanding syrup graded by these former standards. There were 5 grades in the system prior to the 2015 USDA change. Now there are only 4 grades. As such, there is some overlap and we'll try our best to describe how things line up. The spectrum of syrups hasn't changed, only the naming conventions.

Grade A Golden Color and Delicate Taste is most equivalent to the former Grade A Light Amber (Fancy).

Grade A Amber Color and Rich Taste is most comparable to the former Grade A Medium Amber and Grade A Dark Amber. 

Grade A Dark Color and Robust Taste is most comparable to the former Grade A Dark Amber and Grade B Extra Dark.

 

Should I refrigerate Maple Syrup?

Before it's been opened, Maple Syrup is fine to store at room temperature. After it's been opened Maple Syrup should be refrigerated.

 

Is Pure Maple Sugar Candy really only made from Maple Syrup?

Yes. Our Pure Maple Sugar Candy only has one ingredient, Maple Syrup. The syrup is cooked then aerated via stirring before it's poured into molds. 

 

What's the shelf life of Pure Maple Sugar Candy?

Our Pure Maple Sugar Candy will be best within 2 months if stored in a cool, dry place. After this time one may find that the candy starts to dry. Though the mouth-feel may change after such a duration, it will still taste delightful and could be added to coffee, crushed and crumbled on top of ice cream or stirred into hot-cereal. From our experience though, most consumers will be unable to keep it around for 2 months as it's too good not to eat.