OTHER MAPLE PRODUCTS

Maple syrup may be used as is, of course, or it may be converted into other highly desirable products. Maple sugar, maple candy and maple fudge are just a few of the many other maple products. Basically, these are made by concentrating finished syrup to a greater density and stirring the highly concentrated syrup.

Maple syrup and sugar are among the oldest agricultural commodities produced in the United States. Native Americans are generally credited with discovering how to convert maple sap into maple syrup. The importance of maple products for local trade was established well before the arrival of the first European settlers in North America. Maple syrup production is confined to the northeastern portion of the United States, with the largest amounts produced in Vermont and New York. Until rather recently, maple syrup and sugar have been strictly a "sideline" farm crop; however, the production of maple syrup and other maple products is often a full-time operation. Maple syrup is one agricultural crop in which there is no surplus. In fact, demand far exceeds the available supply. The industry is not expanding, even though less than 1 percent of the potential resource is being used.