Each year in Canada, deep in the forests of Quebec, a remarkable natural event takes place as the sap stored in maple trees begins to thaw.
As Winter rolls into Spring, the sugary sap is pushed out to the trunks and branches, where it can be extracted (or tapped) ready for making into maple syrup.
Across Quebec, thousands of producers collect the sap and boil the liquid to make pure maple syrup – a completely natural sweetener that doesn’t feature any additives.
Maple from Canada Australia is the official Aussie brand for Quebec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP) – an organisation representing more than 13,300 producers who supply around 72% of the world’s maple syrup.
With its unique taste and versatile range of uses, pure Canadian maple syrup brings the flavour of the Great White North to the Southern Hemisphere.
There are health benefits to this tasty syrup – it is a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for an energy boost. Whether consumed right before working out or during a cardio session, the simple carbohydrates found in maple syrup are quickly convereted into glucose, serving as fuel during exercise.
It is also a source of manganese and riboflavin (vitamin B) and one recent study suggests pure maple syrup is better for cardiometabolic health than refined sugars; plus it is completely vegan.
Added to vegetable and lamb recipes, this syrup turns anyone’s frown upside down! Here are four recipes to add to your cosy and hearty dinner repertoire this Winter:
Served with roasted veggies, this recipe is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich blend of spices and pure maple syrup, leaving the meat falling off the bone. This hearty meal is topped with peppers and fresh tomatoes and is guaranteed to warm both the body and home on a chilly Winter evening.
If you love pesto, we’ve found your next go-to side dish this Winter. This maple-roasted potato salad with Warrigal greens and maple-caramelised macadamia pesto, offers crispness and sweetness.
Warrigal greens are blitzed to create an easy, homemade pesto which goes perfectly with crispy roast potatoes. Garnish with a sprinkle of caramelised macadamia nuts for a tasty side dish for your Winter dinners.
Can’t get your hands on Warrigal greens? Opting for other leafy greens like kale, spinach, or chard are equally as tasty!
Nothing quite says Winter like a warming bowl of soup. Try this roasted pumpkin, chestnut and maple syrup soup for the ultimate hearty bowl of goodness. Serve with a swirl of double cream and crunchy hazelnuts plus some warm, buttery bread to soak up any leftovers.
Take your veggies to the next level this Winter with spiced BBQ cauliflower salad and maple tahini dressing. The cauliflower - grilled to perfection - is marinated for an hour before being barbequed until slightly caramelised.
For more maple syrup recipes, click here.
