Why maple syrup is useful, how to make it at home

Sugar maple syrup has been a symbol of Canada for many years. The country's coat of arms depicts a pointed leaf of a tree from which sap is extracted. This technology was invented in the 18th century after the indigenous peoples of America realized that liquid could sweeten food and significantly improve its taste. The benefits and harms of maple syrup are a subject of debate in North America and beyond.

What maple syrup is made from

Sugar maple grows in the provinces of Canada. Artificial cultivation is practiced in other countries, but this approach is considered expensive, therefore, the products are traditionally produced in North America.

The tree has a spreading crown, a thick, dense trunk. Wood is actively used to make furniture. Juice is obtained by cutting the bark and collecting oozing fluid. The syrup is prepared using the boiling method.

Not all types of wood are suitable for cooking. The most common product is obtained from the sugar variety, it is he who has beneficial properties that saturate the product. The red, black and holly species are considered suitable.

Industrial harvesting begins in maple forests in early spring using special plastic tubes.

The appearance and taste of maple syrup

Formulations are classified according to their appearance. There are 2 classes of liquid. Class A:

• light amber (golden color, subtle, subtle smell);
• medium amber (rich amber color, slight wood taste);
• dark amber (liquid of dark brown color with a recognizable smell and taste).

Class B are dark brown liquids with a strong odor.

Light varieties have a popcorn flavor, medium varieties resemble caramel, and dark varieties have a pronounced maple syrup flavor.

The chemical composition and caloric content of maple syrup

The benefits of maple syrup for the body are determined by the properties of the components of the composition. It contains B vitamins, amino acids and minerals.

Caloric content of 100 g is 260 kcal. Compared to refined sugar, it has a lower glycemic index.

It contains substances that have beneficial antioxidant properties:

• benzoic acid;
• cinnamic acid;
• linoleic acid;
• catechin.

Sucrose in a liquid reaches 58 g, the presence of fructose - 0.5 g, glucose - 1.6 g.

The highest content of manganese, zinc and sodium is considered. They have useful properties and have a tonic effect.

Benefits of Maple Syrup

The qualities of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals make the concentrate healthier than regular refined sugar. This is true when you consume maple syrup in moderation.

Substances that have antioxidant properties are useful as protectors of cells from the influence of free radicals. Such mechanisms increase the body's defenses.

The presence of minerals and vitamins makes the use useful for the immune system, prevention of skin and colds.

Feature and undoubted health benefits - environmentally friendly composition, without the addition of impurities or preservatives.

Maple syrup for weight loss

The famous diet was built on the basis of the concentrate, which was described by Peter Glickman in the middle of the last century. The method aims not to actively get rid of extra pounds, but to remove toxins from the body. Citrus fruits are added to the menu and the volume of pure water is increased. Carbohydrate-containing dishes are completely excluded from the diet.

This diet can be harmful to those with minimal health problems. The load on the liver is characterized by increased production of pancreatic juice, therefore, a one-component diet is contraindicated for people with pancreatic diseases.

Researchers are considering a way to completely replace any sweets with concentrates, but this approach does not lead to rapid weight loss, it only helps control carbohydrate intake.

Is maple syrup suitable for pregnant and lactating women

Experts do not recommend using the syrup for pregnant women. A high concentration of substances can be harmful and have a negative impact on their health. During this period, there are risks of developing diabetic conditions, so it is necessary to exclude concentrated substitutes from the diet.

For nursing mothers, the concentrate is at risk of developing harm due to possible allergic reactions in the baby.

Maple syrup for diabetes

Maple syrup can be beneficial and contraindicated in diabetes: it all depends on the patient's condition. Diabetes requires careful analysis of the food you eat. Type 2 disease is characterized by relative insulin deficiency. By replacing other sweets with syrup, blood counts can be stabilized. This property is beneficial for those struggling with regular diabetic conditions.

Sweetness is not recommended for type 1 diabetes, which is characterized by a complete lack of insulin. The intake of sugars provokes an increase in blood counts, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition of the patient.

How to make maple syrup at home

Making maple syrup yourself according to the classic recipe is a laborious and costly process. To start cooking, you need to get maple sap. To do this, a hole is drilled in the tree and a container for liquid is substituted. This technique is used during the period of sap flow. The principle of preparation is evaporation over medium heat.

What is maple syrup used for in cooking?

Serving waffles, donuts, or pancakes without maple syrup is not an option in Canada. It is successfully used as a sugar substitute in baking and as a topping for ice cream.

When marinating meat and then baking, maple concentrate forms a delicious glazed crust on its surface.

The use of maple syrup is widespread for the preparation of lollipop sweets, toffee.

It is added as the main sweetener to hot drinks like grog or punch.

Maple syrup is added to hot tea: unlike honey, under the influence of high temperatures, it does not lose its beneficial properties and does not acquire carcinogenic properties.

How to replace maple syrup in baked goods

The concentrate can be replaced with sugar and honey: they have similar sweetening properties. To replace 1 part use:

• ¾ parts of sugar;
• 1 part liquid honey.

Substitutes with similar physical properties may include: syrups carob and agave, pear jam.

Maple syrup harm and contraindications

You cannot talk about the benefits of syrup without mentioning the harm. As with all foods that are high in carbohydrates, it may not have the health benefits of excessive intake. The daily norm for an adult is a few tablespoons.

Consumption can be harmful to those who are hypersensitive to sugar-containing foods. People who have problems with blood glucose levels should be careful.

The risk of harm to the body is increased in people with bowel disease. The production of enzymes for the digestion of carbohydrates tends to increase the load on the digestive organs and, above all, on the pancreas.

How to choose maple syrup when buying

One of the difficulties of purchasing syrup in stores is the high cost and range. Not every supermarket has it on the grocery list. Inexpensive analogues that indicate the content of maple juice have nothing to do with a quality product.

The presence of dyes or food additives in the composition is evidence of a low quality product, a fake.

The concentrate is usually sold in glass containers. A special feature of the release in Canada is considered to be special bottles in the form of a maple leaf.

Maple syrup ranges in color from light amber to dark brown. The shade may differ depending on the variety. The liquid does not form sediment. Bottles must be tightly closed and not damaged.

How to store maple syrup at home

Maple sap concentrate has a long shelf life.

The sealed syrup is stored for several years at room temperature. After the bottle is uncorked to slow down the evaporation process, it is customary to re-heat it into a plastic container and store it further for an average of 4 months in the refrigerator (the manufacturer places specific information on the label). In this form, it does not freeze and does not lose its useful qualities.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of maple syrup are interrelated concepts. As a sugar substitute, this unique product can be beneficial due to its antioxidant content and the absence of impurities in the composition. Excessive consumption is contraindicated and harmful to health due to the high amount of sugars. The use of this product in baking as an addition to desserts will diversify the diet and give the dishes unique flavors.

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