 |
Maple Syrup Sugar Shack Photo by R.Taylor |
Fresh maple syrup is truly one of the first signs of spring. What better
way to celebrate spring than at the many maple
syrup festivals throughout Ontario. Maple syrup production starts
in many areas in March and runs into April depending on weather, and temperature
changes. Many of the 400 eleven members have spring festivals and spring
getaways during the maple syrup harvest.
Families can learn the history of maple syrup and glimpse first hand
the boiling of the sap,(sweet water) and the making of the maple syrup.
Maple syrup history goes back 1000 years and coincides with the arrival
of spring, warmer weather and the "Maple Moon." The "sugaring
off " period or maple syrup festival time is unique to North Eastern
North America. In Canada, production is primarily in Ontario, Quebec,
and some in the Maritimes. Many products are made from the syrup including
maple butter, maple taffy in the snow, maple walnut ice cream, cured maple
bacon, maple fudge, and a variety of desserts such as baked apples with
maple syrup.
Maple Syrup Recipe
The taste treat was first reported in the 1600's by French priests,
probably in the Huronia area. See
1000 year old recipe .
 |
Bucket collecting
maple tree sap |
The Maple Tree
The source of maple syrup should not be forgotten. The importance of
the maple tree is often ignored both as the source of Canada's national
emblem on our flag, and as the source of the delicious golden liquid called
maple syrup produced each spring in North Eastern Canada.
Ken Jewett has developed a passion for the Canadian maple tree with the
founding of Maple Leaves Forever. Maple
Leaves Forever (MLF] is focusing on the planting of the Maple Tree
across Canada. MLF believes that the Maple tree, which plays a truly significant
role in so many aspects of our life in Canada, not only deserves but also
requires a focused mentoring organization.
 List
of up coming Maple Syrup Festivals Click
Here!
A trip to the sugarbush wouldn't be complete without the taste of fresh
'hot-off-the grill' pancakes and sausages smothered in award winning maple
syrup.
In recent years the Maple Syrup Festivals have attracted a wide range
of visitors from all over Ontario, Canada and the world. Come experience
one of the many traditions of being Canadian in Ontario.
Sugarbush highlights include:
- horse drawn sleigh rides
- maple syrup demonstrations
- taffy on snow
- log-sawing contests
- snowshoe races
- plank races
- step, clog and old-time square dancing
- nature trail walks
- live old-tyme music and more.
For accommodation packages including maple syrup activities click
here
When can I see maple syrup production in Ontario? click
here |
