Maple syrup and pancake syrup both have high levels of sugar. However, Maple syrup is a better alternative to refined cane sugar because it provides certain phytonutrients and vitamins. So what’s the difference between maple syrup and pancake syrup?
Pancake Syrup
Many of you are familiar with Mrs. Butterworth’s and Log Cabin Syrup. But how many of you have tried the real thing? Pancake syrup ingredients are: corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup,water, cellulose gum, caramel color, salt, natural and artificial flavor, sodium benzoate, and sorbic acid (preservatives) & sodium hexametaphosphate, (whatever that is)!
High fructose corn syrup is believed to contribute to some serious health issues including obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, among others. While it contains lots of calories, it has no essential nutrients. So aside from the high fructose corn syrup, why consume all the extra chemicals and ARTIFICIAL flavors?
Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup consists of one ingredient – sap. No artificial flavors or chemicals, Maple syrup is just sap that has been boiled down to reduce the water content and raise the sugar level.
But that is not all. Maple syrup has a lower glycemic score than sugar, making it a better choice for a diabetic. It naturally contains nutrients including zinc, potassium, manganese, thiamine, calcium, iron, magnesium, and riboflavin. Health benefits of this sweet condiment include providing antioxidants (especially phenolic compounds) said to help protect against cancer. Pure maple syrup is also believed to help fight inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, protect skin health, provide vitamins and minerals, and enhancing antibiotic effects.
Make the switch…
I made the switch to genuine 100% maple syrup since we make our own at Camp Taylor Tree Farm. https://www.facebook.com/TaylorFamilyTreeFarm/ Now I can not stand the taste of the regular pancake syrup. I even bring my own if I know I’m going to go out for breakfast. Late February and early March, the air smells heavenly as they boil the sap to make the Maple Syrup.
100% Maple syrup is more labor intensive and therefore more expensive than pancake syrup. You need forty gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. That means you must boil away thirty-nine gallons of water for every gallon of syrup you produced. It is time and labor intensive. But the taste is far superior. You can find a multitude of recipes using maple syrup that are simply scrumptious. Mixing equal parts maple syrup and Evan Williams bourbon produces a liquor. Giving everyone a taste at the Nor’easter 2.0 event is something I look forward to
Below there are some great recipes using maple syrup! What is your favorite tried and true recipe using maple syrup? My favorite is 50/50 Maple syrup and bourbon. Sip it, or pour it over ice cream. Yum!
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