Maple Sugaring – History

Maine Maple Sugaring History

The History of Maple Sugaring and Production in Maine

Maine has a long history of Maple Sugaring going back to the Native American tribes of the Northeast. Up until the 1800’s, Maple sugar was the primary form of sugar used in the United States. Once the sugar cane industry opened in the Caribbean Islands in the 1800’s, Maple syrup became a delicacy. As the demand for local and organic foods has increased, Maple syrup has grown in popularity as an organic and preservative-free option for sweetening. Ask us about ME Maple Producers or share your Maine Maple Sugaring comments. To feature your Maine Maple business, contact us.

History of Maple Sugaring – Maple Syrup Production

A Brief History of Maine Maple Syrup and Sugaring

The first people to make maple sugar were the Native American tribes of the Northeast, who used it as a flavoring for bread, stews, teas, and vegetables. Native Americans also traded maple sugar for other products they needed. The French and English colonists were delighted with the taste of maple sugar, and eventually, they learned the process of making it from the Native Americans. Maple sugar became the principal sweetener in North America. (Native Americans and colonists could not store maple syrup easily, so they used the dry form.) When cane sugar was introduced, New Englanders still preferred maple sugar because it was much cheaper and did not involve West Indian slave labor.

Once a staple of American life, the sweet products of the maple tree are now specialty items. Over the years, the price of cane sugar fell dramatically, and now cane sugar is the variety most Americans use every day. The popularity of Maple syrup keeps New England sugarhouses going. As anyone who has ever tasted it knows, genuine Maple syrup has a taste and texture that the imitations just cannot match. (In Quebec, cheap imitation maple syrup is called “sirop de poteau” or “pole syrup”, suggesting that it was made by tapping telephone poles. We couldn’t agree more.)

Production of Maple Syrup and Maple Sugar

When the weather conditions are right, sugarmakers will head into their stand of trees, usually called maple orchards or sugarbushes, in late February and begin drilling small holes into the trunks of their maple trees. If all goes well, a clear, slightly sweet liquid will slowly drip from the spiles into buckets or into a pipeline that will carry the sap to a central collection point.

The highest quality syrup is made from the freshest and cleanest sap. If not immediately tended, the sap will deteriorate and the resulting syrup will not meet maple connoisseurs’ high standards. Maine sugar shacks house huge evaporator pans fired by wood, oil, or gas to heat the sap to the boiling point. Billows of steam escape through a vent or cupola atop the shack, where the aroma travels on the air for all to enjoy.

It takes long hours and perseverance to produce Maine maple syrup worthy of the name. The boil-down process is especially tedious, continuing for hours in order to eliminate all water content from the sap. Once the boiling process is complete, the delectable golden brew is filtered and packed for distribution to eager consumers around the world. The Maine Department of Agriculture administers stringent quality requirements on the making and selling of Maine maple products.

Changes in Maple Syrup Production Methods

Because maple syrup is a natural product, the process of making it has changed little over the centuries. The main improvements have been in the materials used for collecting and boiling the sap. Native Americans had cut slashes in the trees and collected the sap in containers made of bark or hollowed-out logs. Colonists were concerned that slashing the trees with axes harmed the trees, and they began drilling small holes into the tree and inserting a wooden tube. The tube allowed the sap to flow out.

The process of collecting the sap with buckets was quite time-consuming. Over time, people began to use horses, oxen, or tractors to haul the sap to the sugarhouse. Most modern sugarmakers use plastic tubes to carry the sap from each tree to a central location. Plastic tubes also protect the sap from dirt and bacteria.

New materials have also made the process of boiling the sap more efficient. The Native Americans had used hot rocks to heat the sap. Colonists used wood fires and kettles made of cast iron, a material they had brought with them from Europe. In the late 1800’s, people began using flat-bottomed tin pans instead of iron kettles because they provided more even heat. Recently, many sugarmakers have replaced their wood-fired evaporators with ones that use oil.

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Maine Maple Syrup

  • FLAVOR PROFILE: The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. Our Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste maple syrup is the darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Great for all around use including table top and cooking.
  • FLAVOR PROFILE: The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. Our Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste maple syrup is the darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Great for all around use including table top and cooking.
  • SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: At Butternut Mountain Farm we are committed to giving you 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farmers with whom we work with understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests.
  • QUALITY STORY: Our pure maple syrup is carefully selected to ensure the product you receive is of the highest quality. With our strict quality standards, we can trace every drop of syrup from farm to table.
  • Non Gmo Project Verified
  • Grade A organic amber color maple syrup with a rich taste
  • There's nothing quite so good as pure maple syrup
  • As the largest packer of pure maple syrup in the country, we go out of our way to provide you with the finest maple syrup possible
  • That's why our Grade A maple syrup is renowned for its wonderful flavor, color and consistency
  • Each serving of Maple Grove Farms pure maple syrup contains no high fructose corn syrup, fat, sodium or cholesterol
  • That's why our Grade A maple syrup is renowned for its wonderful flavor, color and consistency
  • Most use it on pancakes, waffles or French toast, but the possibilities are endless
  • Each serving of Maple Grove Farms Pure Maple Syrup contains no high fructose corn syrup, fat, sodium or cholesterol
  • As the largest packer of pure maple syrup in the country, we go out of our way to provide you with the finest maple syrup possible
  • There's nothing quite so good as pure maple syrup
  • Tapped From Certified Organic Maple Trees
  • Our Dark Maple Syrup Is Robust With Strong Notes Of Maple.
  • Your Waffles Will Thank You.
  • 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your cart.
  • An Amazon brand
  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC: By Vermont Organic Farmers LLC (VOF). Guaranteeing you and your family a healthier product, sourced from local organic Vermont Farms. Not only better for you, but also better for the land and Tastes Great! VOF certification also guarantees you a non-GMO syrup.
  • AMBER COLOR WITH RICH FLAVOR: Full of characteristic maple flavor, this syrup is equally as good over waffles as it is in salad dressings, cocktails, or in a maple-sweetened barbecue sauce. If you're only going to have one grade of Vermont maple syrup in your kitchen, make it Amber Color with Rich Flavor.
  • HANDCRAFTED VERMONT SYRUP: All of our syrup comes from organic family farms in Vermont.
  • BPA FREE PLASTIC JUGS: These sturdy plastic jugs are BPA free, providing you a safe and convenient package.
  • CERTIFIED KOSHER
  • Stonewall Kitchen Classic Mint Jelly, 12.25 Ounce
  • A must for the well-stocked pantry; Timeless classic
  • Complements heartier meats and game and is simply a must-have when serving lamb
  • We made ours with a touch of sugar, a little white grape juice and plenty of refreshing spearmint oil
  • Stonewall Kitchen Family of Brands: Our award winning line of gourmet food, home goods, and gifts are loved around the world. Featuring brands such as Legal Sea Foods, Michel Design Works, Montebello, Napa Valley Naturals, Stonewall Home, Stonewall Kitchen, Urban Accents, Vermont Coffee Company, Vermont Village, and Village Candle
  • About Us: It all started in 1991 at a local farmers' market with a few dozen items that we'd finished hand-labeling only hours before. Fast-forward to today and Stonewall Kitchen is now home to an ever-growing family of like-minded lifestyle brands! Expertly made with premium ingredients, our products are the result of decades spent dreaming up, testing and producing only the very best in specialty foods and fine home living.
  • SOUL-STIRRING FLAVOR: Crown Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged organic maple syrup showcases distinctive aromas and flavors of maple, bourbon, smoky oak, graham cracker, brown butter & creamy vanilla; 25 fl oz
  • AGED IN WIDOW JANE BOURBON BARRELS: We take organic estate-produced maple syrup and age it in super-premium oak barrels from 10-year bourbon from Widow Jane, based in Brooklyn NY; Syrup may contain trace amounts of alcohol
  • TOP IT OFF: Drizzle maple syrup on yogurt, oatmeal and ice cream, in coffee, tea, hot chocolate or as a mixer with bourbon, rye and whiskey cocktails; And of course, brunch or breakfast pancakes, waffles, French toast & bacon
  • MARINATE, CARAMALIZE AND GLAZE: Grade A Amber Maple syrup complements poultry and pork as a marinade or glaze; Use with balsamic for a sweet vinaigrette; Our syrup is sure to elevate any recipe
  • DARK COLOR WITH ROBUST FLAVOR: Good for all around use, its hearty flavor is a great choice for all kinds of recipes. Pour over baked apples or squash, use as a glaze for meats and vegetables, or sweeten baked goods. This grade pairs well with smoky and spicy flavors like chipotle peppers, sriracha, or bourbon.
  • BPA FREE PLASTIC JUGS: These sturdy plastic jugs are BPA free, providing you a safe and convenient package.
  • CERTIFIED KOSHER
  • Product of the USA and Canada
  • Great as a sweetener
  • Certified Organic/Kosher
  • Packaging may slightly vary from the above image.
  • Deep Rich Flavor
  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • Pure Maple Syrup is perfect for adding to pancakes, yogurt, ice cream, oatmeal, recipes and more.
  • ROBUST, DARK COLORED ORGANIC SYRUP: With flavors and aromas of graham cracker, toffee, brown butter and toasted pecans with a hint of warm spice this decadent syrup will add sweetness to your life; 12.7 fl oz
  • VERSITILE SWEETNESS: Dark Color Robust Taste organic, pure maple syrup has concentrated depth of flavor presented in a creamy, medium-body with robust flavors, great with hearty pastries, sticky buns, baked goods and desserts
  • ALL NATURAL SWEETENER: Holiday baking, flavoring for squash fruit and vegetables or in a vinaigrette; Add to craft cocktails and mocktails and of course an exceptional breakfast of pancakes, waffles and French toast
  • NUTRIENT RICH: Crown Maple Organic Syrup is rich in antioxidants like manganese and zinc; Plant-based, versatile topping and ingredient; 100% real maple syrup, produced in harmony with nature
  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC GRADE A MAPLE SYRUP: Crown Maple is estate-produced from the Taconic Hardwood Forest which extends from New York Eastern Mid-Hudson Valley to Central Western Vermont; Gluten free, non-gmo, vegan

Maine Maple Products

  • RUGGED 500D NYLON SHELL – 500D nylon shell provides rugged and water-repellent protection from wind, rain and the cold
  • COMFORTABLE WARMTH – 3M Thinsulate insulation traps heat for warmth in extremely cold conditions
  • DURABLE – 1600D reinforcements in heavy wear areas
  • POCKETS – 1 chest pocket and 2 side pockets for convenient storage
  • EASY ON/OFF – Full-length YKK zippers on each leg make for easy on/off without removing work boots
  • ADJUSTABLE COMFORT – 4-way stretch side and elastic bib straps for a comfortable, custom fit
  • 3M REFLECTIVE ACCENTS – For enhanced low-light visibility
  • Material: Use professional ski waterproof breathable fabric. Coated fabric adds anti-static function, which is away from the conductive layer formed on the surface of hydrophobic fibers, the fiber surface hydrophilic, but also allows the fiber surface ionization, effectively prevent static electricity.
  • Structure and design: One-piece design use zipper opening at back, easy to wear and dress quickly. Open the zipper and you can use bathroom freely. Hood, cuff and bottom can adjust size to fit you , make sure the snow and wind don't get into your body. Top of the placket zipper has a little shield, prevent clamping to the chin. Snap and zipper at placket, make double protection.These little details make a perfect ski suit.
  • Insulation effect: Unlike other ski suits on the market, our product are made to withstand the toughest conditions. Under-arm zippered vents to allow for personalized temperature control during warmer conidtions and ensure that you never feel too hot or too cold on the mountain.
  • Waterproof and Breathable: Engineered to keep you dry and comfortable on the mountain. With a built-in hidden storm hood, double reinforced seams and waterproof external fabric, our suits are crafted to be as functional as they are stylish. No matter what conditions you encounter, you'll always be ready for one more run.
  • Tips: Because of the bright color, it’s easy to identify at ski resort, not only looks nice but also secure. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
  • QUALITY MATERIALS: Made with a durable woven fabric that withstands your active lifestyle and outdoor adventures.
  • EASY COMFORT: Designed with a regular fit for a comfortable and casual look.
  • BACK POCKET: The patch pocket on the back offers extra space for little beach souvenirs.
  • STYLISH DESIGN: The colorful all-over print allows you to express your love and passion for the ocean.
  • DO WHAT YOU LOVE: Suitable for swimming, surfing, and any other beach activity.
  • FLAVOR PROFILE: Our Grade A Amber Color Rich Taste syrup provides a naturally sweet, rich and smooth taste. A pronounced maple flavor makes Amber Rich maple syrup a favorite for table and all around use.
  • SUSTAINABLY SOURCED: At Butternut Mountain Farm we are committed to giving you 100% pure Vermont maple syrup. The farmers with whom we work with understand maple and share our commitment to maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests.
  • QUALITY STORY: Our pure maple syrup is carefully selected to ensure the product you receive is of the highest quality. With our strict quality standards, we can trace every drop of syrup from farm to table.
  • PACKAGING BENEFITS: Easy-open, easy-pour, jugs are tamper-evident with an inner seal. They ship well, so they make excellent gifts. Syrup stored in BPA-free plastic jugs retains its natural flavor better than in traditional tin containers.
  • OTHER USES: Use in coffee/tea, cocktails or over cereal, fruit, yogurt or pudding. Add to baked beans, apple pies, pickles and stir fries. Makes a delicious marinade or sauce. Great as a gift.
  • Lubricates ingested hair, allowing it to move through the digestive tract and pass in the cat’s stool
  • Gentle hairball remedy for cats: Tomlyn Laxatone oral gel helps eliminate and prevent cat furballs
  • Laxatone cat hairball treatment is available in a range of tasty flavors to suit your cat’s tastes
  • Palatable, easy-to-administer oral gel; simply place on your cat’s nose or paws to stimulate licking
  • Hairball gel contains vet-formulated lubricants including soybean oil; Omega -3, -6, and -9 Fatty Acids
  • Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake & Waffle Mix (33 oz)
  • The tastiest and fluffiest pancakes you may ever make
  • Multiple sizes available so you'll have plenty on hand for everyone to enjoy a stack
  • Our secret ingredient of malted flour gives our pancakes a rich vanilla aroma
  • Stonewall Kitchen Family of Brands: Our award winning line of gourmet food, home goods, and gifts are loved around the world. Featuring brands such as Legal Sea Foods, Michel Design Works, Montebello, Napa Valley Naturals, Stonewall Home, Stonewall Kitchen, Urban Accents, Vermont Coffee Company, Vermont Village, and Village Candle
  • About Us: It all started in 1991 at a local farmers' market with a few dozen items that we'd finished hand-labeling only hours before. Fast-forward to today and Stonewall Kitchen is now home to an ever-growing family of like-minded lifestyle brands! Expertly made with premium ingredients, our products are the result of decades spent dreaming up, testing and producing only the very best in specialty foods and fine home living.
  • Fragrance Notes of Strawberry, Golden Vanilla Cake, Sugar
  • This rich, bright red candle is made with the highest quality food-grade paraffin wax for a clean and even burn. We source only the finest ingredients for a true-to-life, long lasting fragrance experience.
  • Pioneered by Village Candle, our dual wick technology is a unique design that ensures a cleaner, more efficient burn, as well as a superior fragrance experience. Before reaching your home our lead-free cotton wicks are hand-trimmed by our team.
  • Our candles have a long and consistent burn time of up to 170 hours (depending on the size of candle). Burn your candle for a minimum of 2 hours and no more than 4 hours, or until you reach a full wax pool. Dimensions are 3.8''L 3.8''W 6.75''H.
  • Born from a passion for New England craftsmanship that still burns strong to this day. Our candles are proudly made in America by our highly skilled candlemakers in Wells, Maine. From our Village to your village remains our inspiration all these years.
  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC: By Vermont Organic Farmers LLC (VOF). Guaranteeing you and your family a healthier product, sourced from local organic Vermont Farms. Not only better for you, but also better for the land and Tastes Great! VOF certification also guarantees you a non-GMO syrup.
  • AMBER COLOR WITH RICH FLAVOR: Full of characteristic maple flavor, this syrup is equally as good over waffles as it is in salad dressings, cocktails, or in a maple-sweetened barbecue sauce. If you're only going to have one grade of Vermont maple syrup in your kitchen, make it Amber Color with Rich Flavor.
  • HANDCRAFTED VERMONT SYRUP: All of our syrup comes from organic family farms in Vermont.
  • BPA FREE PLASTIC JUGS: These sturdy plastic jugs are BPA free, providing you a safe and convenient package.
  • CERTIFIED KOSHER
  • Stonewall Kitchen Classic Mint Jelly, 12.25 Ounce
  • A must for the well-stocked pantry; Timeless classic
  • Complements heartier meats and game and is simply a must-have when serving lamb
  • We made ours with a touch of sugar, a little white grape juice and plenty of refreshing spearmint oil
  • Stonewall Kitchen Family of Brands: Our award winning line of gourmet food, home goods, and gifts are loved around the world. Featuring brands such as Legal Sea Foods, Michel Design Works, Montebello, Napa Valley Naturals, Stonewall Home, Stonewall Kitchen, Urban Accents, Vermont Coffee Company, Vermont Village, and Village Candle
  • About Us: It all started in 1991 at a local farmers' market with a few dozen items that we'd finished hand-labeling only hours before. Fast-forward to today and Stonewall Kitchen is now home to an ever-growing family of like-minded lifestyle brands! Expertly made with premium ingredients, our products are the result of decades spent dreaming up, testing and producing only the very best in specialty foods and fine home living.
  • DARK COLOR WITH ROBUST FLAVOR: Good for all around use, its hearty flavor is a great choice for all kinds of recipes. Pour over baked apples or squash, use as a glaze for meats and vegetables, or sweeten baked goods. This grade pairs well with smoky and spicy flavors like chipotle peppers, sriracha, or bourbon.
  • BPA FREE PLASTIC JUGS: These sturdy plastic jugs are BPA free, providing you a safe and convenient package.
  • CERTIFIED KOSHER
  • Product of the USA and Canada
  • Great as a sweetener

Maine Maple Producers by Region

maine-maple producers, vacation-map

Discover Maine Maple Producers by region. Aroostook, Downeast, Katahdin, Kennebec, Lakes, Mid-Coast, Portland and South-Coast.

Aroostook ME Maple Producers
Fort Kent, Houlton, Presque Isle
Downeast & Acadia ME Maple Producers
Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, Deer Isle, Eastport, Lubec, Cherryfield, Machias
Katahdin & Moosehead ME Maple Producers
Bangor, Brewer, Greenville, Lincoln, Millinocket, Orono
Kennebec & Moose River ME Maple Producers
Augusta, Skowhegan, Waterville, The Forks
Lakes & Mountains ME Maple Producers
Auburn, Lewiston, Norway, Bethel, Farmington, Naples
Midcoast ME Maple Producers
Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Rockland, Brunswick, Belfast, Searsport
Greater Portland ME Maple Producers
Portland, Freeport, Yarmouth, Westbrook, Cape Elizabeth
South Coastal Maine Maple Producers
Biddeford, Kennebunk, Kittery, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Wells, York


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