Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a sweet brown liquid that comes from maple trees. People pour it on pancakes, waffles, and French toast. It tastes like sugar but has its own special flavor. Most maple syrup comes from Canada and the northeast United States. It takes a lot of work to make this yummy treat.

From Tree to Table

Maple syrup starts as sap inside maple trees. In early spring, people drill a small hole in the tree. They put a tap in the hole to collect the sap. The sap is clear and watery, not sweet yet. It must be boiled for a long time to become syrup.

A big sugar maple tree that gives us sweet maple syrup.
A big sugar maple tree that gives us sweet maple syrup. (Bruce Marlin / Wikimedia Commons)

Why It Is Special

It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of maple syrup. That is why real maple syrup can cost a lot. The sap is only collected for a few weeks each year. The weather must be cold at night and warm during the day. This is called sugaring season.

Fun Facts

  • Canada makes about 75 percent of the worlds maple syrup.
  • The maple leaf is on the flag of Canada.
  • Maple syrup has been made for hundreds of years by Native Americans.

Did You Know?

A maple tree must be at least 40 years old before it can be tapped for sap!