now that is bulk Maple Syrup

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,756
13,862
126
www.anyf.ca
lol I love Canada. We get the weirdest crime sometimes. And no shooting was involved, imagine that.

Now I wonder if we're going to start seeing maple syrup on the black market.

"Maple Syrup: It taste better when it's stolen!"
 

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
I grew up on the fake syrups, tried real syrup once and was enthralled at first taste.

I don't voluntarily use the fake stuff anymore, but I can stomach it fine enough.


As for syrup grading:
I'm pretty sure I've only ever bought Grade A (Kroger's Private Selection label). I absolutely cannot remember the specific, it was either Dark Amber, or... looking online, possibly Medium Amber.

I thought it was tasty, but that was/is the only pure maple syrup I have ever had iirc. Leagues, leaps, bounding jumps, miles, etc.. ahead of all that HFCS-laden artificially-flavored junk.

And yep, while it's wonderful to drown pancakes/waffles in the glorious syrup, with the real stuff, you can use less and still have it taste wonderful.



Back to this grading concept:

What, specifically, makes a lot Grade B versus Grade A? What's the difference in the Amber rating? How do these differences impact flavor?
Why is everyone saying the lesser grade is tastier?!

So am I to believe I need to find me some Grade B Dark Amber?

Oh, and real maple syrup is also the sugar devil: I try to limit sugar intake, but it is basically impossible to turn down real maple syrup. Though I do like, or at least don't mind, mixing the real syrup with some sugar-free fake syrup (is that double-fake?!). I would prefer not losing any of the real maple flavor or the real sugar, but it's not half bad once you get over the fact you've stooped to heathenism at the first meal o' the day.

While many people like Grade B for its very intense flavor, Grade A dark amber is probably liked by more people. I like the Grade B.
A Grade A dark amber, imo, is the one most people like the best.

The syrup gets darker as the mapling season progresses.
 

destrekor

Lifer
Nov 18, 2005
28,799
359
126
Grade B isn't "lesser" in terms of quality it darker and has more flavor in it

So how is that a negative?

Anything B Grade is always lesser than anything A Grade.

We've known this since 1st grade! :p Well, maybe not nowadays. Pats on the back all around! Ribbon for last place, yay you tried so hard! :D


So, if Grade B is only thus due to be darker and having as stronger flavor, then are you saying the grading purists are looking for lighter and weaker flavor as the golden standard?

Sometimes these agencies confuse the shit out of me.

Maybe the stronger flavor can be more offensive to some palates?
Sounds up my alley though. I'll have to search for some.


Ohio types: where can you get Ohio-sourced syrup? I'd love to compare against other state syrups, but more than anything I love buying state products when possible/worthy.
 

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
Maybe the stronger flavor can be more offensive to some palates?

I don't know how they originally came up with the grading. The first syrup of the new season is the lightest so by calling it grade A and having people who have waited for the new season lets the makers sell it for a premium.

And yes, some people think Grade B is too strong. But imo thats not too many.

I always suggest starting with a Grade A dark amber and then trying both a lighter and darker one afterwards to find out which one you prefer.

If you can find a sugar house they will let you taste before you buy.
 

Kreon

Golden Member
Oct 22, 2006
1,329
0
0
Back to this grading concept:

What, specifically, makes a lot Grade B versus Grade A? What's the difference in the Amber rating? How do these differences impact flavor?
Why is everyone saying the lesser grade is tastier?!

So am I to believe I need to find me some Grade B Dark Amber?

Basically Grade B is much darker, maplier and often smokier. I don't know how the grading system was developed, but it may have to do with cleanness of flavor? I personally like the heavier flavor. I know some people who don't though.
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
31,328
12,839
136
here is a guide to maple syrup grades:

maple.jpg
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
Finally the word is getting out. I'm tired of all the noobs buying the extra light crap then complaining.

Darker is better when it comes to Maple Syrup.

Same holds true with honey

Darker honey has better flavor compared to the clover crap that you see in the stores
 

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
5
0
Maple sugar candies are great treats also.

We used to have maple snowballs as kids when the sugaring season was in effect.

Drizzle the hot syrup onto a snowball. :thumbsup: