Maple sugar is made from the skillful crystallization of maple syrup and takes several forms. Granulated maple sugar looks like brown sugar with inconstant grain size and is often sifted to make a uniform sugar. It is easy to store in air-tight jars and will not mold or separate. There is nothing wrong with large crystals; they are edible and the same thing as the tiny crystals, but they can cause difficulties in measuring and should be reserved for other purposes. The difference in measuring kosher salt and table salt is similar.
Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, black maple, or red maple trees; however, it can also be made from other maple species. Maple syrup production is mainly located in north-eastern North America, specifically the north-eastern states (including New York, Vermont, and Maine) and the south-eastern parts of Quebec and Ontario, Canada. With the right weather conditions, it can be made anywhere in the habitat range of wherever maple trees grow. In cold environments, the trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter; the starch is then turned to sugar that rises in the sap in the spring.
The Health Benefits of Maple Sugar
- The plant-based components in it help minimize oxidative stress, which causes us to age more quickly and weakens our immune system. It also prevents arthritis and heart problems.
- While some research suggests that white refined sugar might cause cancer in some people, maple sugar appears to be a far safer sweetener. Maple sugar contains antioxidants that protect cells from mutation and DNA damage making it the best alternative to artificial sweeteners or refined sugar.
- Maple sugar can be applied to your face as a scrub by mixing it with yogurt or milk.
- Maple sugar is known to enhance antibiotic effects. Antibiotics are a quick solution to many illnesses. Use it as per the daily recommended dosage while using antibiotics to improve results.
- Intake of more sugar can cause dental problems like tooth decay however; you will not experience such issues when using maple sugar as per the daily recommended limit.
- Studies show a link between the brain and maple sugar, which is why it is suitable for patients with Alzheimer’s. Taking maple sugar can improve the lifespan of Alzheimer’s patients. However, research is still going on to find the complete details about this.
Maple Sugar Nutritional Facts
According to the research, maple sugar is a high-calorie food. One tablespoon contains:
Fat – 0 gms
Calories – 52
Fiber – 0 gms
Protein – 0 gms
Carbohydrates – 13 gms
In general, the vitamin content of maple sugar is very low however, it contains a few essential minerals, which are helpful for the human body. It is rich in manganese, vital to keeping your bones healthy, along with potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper, other minerals.
Anything that you take in excess can be harmful to your health. The same rule is appropriate in the case of maple sugar as well. Avoid taking too much daily, otherwise, you can be at risk for diabetes. Many people think it’s an unhealthy option, but it is not if you use it properly.
Maple sugar can be used in The Maple Syrup Diet, also known as the Lemon Diet, the Lemonade Diet, and the Master Cleanse were created in the 1940s by Stanley Burroughs. Burroughs claimed to be a holistic healer and published a “The Master Cleanser” pamphlet detailing a 10-day detoxification program. He noted that extreme cases should follow the program for 40 days. It was initially intended to cleanse the body of retained matter and toxins, especially the colon.
Maple sugar is a delicious, all-natural sweetener that can be used to replace white granulated sugar or brown sugar. Replace the refined sugar in your home with maple sugar today to stay healthy and happy!
Where To Buy Maple Sugar
Before buying any maple sugar, confirm with the vendor that it is “100% pure”.
One way to ensure you buy “100% pure maple sugar” is to find a local source and get to know the maple producer. Type the words “maple sugar near me” into the search box of whatever search engine you use. Also, see if the seller has any reviews because there are many dishonest vendors on the internet who sell “100% pure maple sugar.” Even if they appear in local results, they might buy artificial maple sugar and resell it.