It is maple syrup-making time around these parts. We are lucky enough to live in an area where maple syrup is in abundance and seeing the process from tapping to pouring it over waffles and pancakes has become a tradition for our family.
Maple syrup is the result of boiling down the sap collected from maples, over hours and hours. The result is liquid gold that is at least 66% sugar. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup and this is one reason for its hefty price tag.
Maple syrup also has phenolic compounds, the same antioxidants found in berries, tomatoes, tea, red wine and flax seeds. But because it is a high-calorie, high-sugar food, it should be consumed in moderation. That being said, maple syrup is our main sweetener. We love the taste, the versatility and pureness of it.
Here is an easy granola recipe using maple syrup as the sweetener. I use this as a topping for Greek yogurt. It provides a satisfying crunch and sweetness, yet still manages to be healthy! Continue reading “Snack Today: Maple Granola”
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