Arrests Made in Massive Maple Syrup Theft

"Police in Canada say three people have been arrested in connection with a massive maple syrup heist from a Québec warehouse, which put a dent in the global supply.

"Authorities never disclosed the exact amount of maple syrup stolen in August. But the warehouse contained Quebec's maple syrup reserves, which were supposed to hold 10 million pounds (4.54 million kilograms) valued at $30 million."

Read it here.

Who Knew Maple Syrup Was Good For You, Too?

In a new research study conducted by the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Navindra Seeram discovered more than 20 compounds linked to human health in Canadian maple syrup, 13 of which were discovered for the first time in maple syrup. Seeram, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences in URI’s College of Pharmacy, unveiled his findings 21 March 2010 at the American Chemical Society’s Annual Meeting.

“In a certain sense, people view sap as the life blood of the tree,” Seeram said. “Maple syrup is unique in that it is the only product in our diet that comes from a plant’s sap.” Historically, many cultures have benefited from its health benefits as a homeopathic remedy for ailments, including flu, stomach aches, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Maple syrup’s high levels of zinc and manganese can assist in heart health and boosting the immune system. You can read more here.

No, That Other Site Isn't Mine!

We've got a doppelganger!

Check out the Canadian site, EverythingMaple.com. It's full of maple syrup products!

Festival du Sucre d'Erable

Get ready for a sweet time as French Canadian Traditions head west for the seventh annual Maple Sugar Festival 22-24 February 2008 in Nanaimo, British Colombia. Join local residents and visitors for a five day celebration of music, dance, storytelling, demonstrations, and food sampling at Beban Park. After the opening gala at the Port Theatre, the Francophone Association of Nanaimo will present an array of festivities including school shows, the transformation of Beban Park’s Centennial Building into an old time Sugar Shack, and the opening of the indoor beer garden, reminiscent of the old time “Party du Samedi Soir”. Chamber members, dignitaries, guest speakers and the Quebec Maple Region’s delegation will be in attendance. Enjoy delicious maple sugar products, hot maple toffee and frozen cranberry delight or experience the traditional home made Tourtière meat pie and Poutine. Learn the ancient art of tree tapping; be awed by world famous Ice Carvers demonstrating their incredible talents or sit back and take in the sound of folk and contemporary music from some of Canada’s best performers. It’s a must see, hear and taste experience! Friday (4-9pm), Saturday (9-9pm), Sunday (9-4pm). Admission by donation until 5:30 pm (suggested donation of $2). Check it all out here!

Maple Syrup and Poutine

Now, here's a food blog that this Maple Syrup Maven just loves!

Maple Syrup and Poutine celebrates Canadian cuisine (and, we all know what Canada's favorite sweetener is!).

The photo? That's poutine. (French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and covered with hot gravy...an acquired taste, they tell me.)

What gene sequencing means to you – and maple syrup

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the strategies for sequencing human genomes have application to (of all things) maple syrup production. You can read all about it here.

This is merely an excerpt of the "Science Friction" column by Stephen Strauss:
"The generalized warming that Canada — and particularly the major syrup producing regions of Quebec — have experienced already seems to have shortened the sugaring-off season by several days in some areas....
"The logical thing to do would be to begin to plant stands of new maple trees in a line heading northward — but at the same time, try to apply scientific agriculture to the replanting....
"But to do this one would need a large base of genetic research already looking for these traits in maples. This doesn't exist....
"Moreover, what better way of saying that this country takes the need to adapt to climate change seriously than to initiate a genome mapping project on the literally iconic maple tree and its potentially endangered sap?"

Maple may be a medical marvel

By Teresa Lake
Capital News Online
Vol. 20 No. 5
Mar. 30, 2007
A publication of Carleton University's School of Journalism

For most Canadians, the tapping of maple trees means spring festivals and sweet treats. But for Canadian scientists, the flowing maple sap means the source of green products made from biopolymers.

Complete article is here.

Flipside of maple syrup as it wows gourmets

Down-at-home, reliable Canadian maple syrup is getting a modern make-over as it woos gourmet cooks in such recipes as Peking duck and creme brulee proving it's more than just a topping for plain pancakes.

Inspired by producers keen to shed old cliches and supported by restaurant owners, butchers and confectioners eager to find new culinary uses for the sticky treat are pioneering a new food trend.

Read more here.

Using Maple Syrup To Make Bioplastics

Researchers in Canada have discovered that maple syrup may aid in the production of bioplastic. It turns out that a form of bacteria called alcaligenes latus has a sweet tooth, and behaves particularly ravenously when exposed to maple sap and syrup. Researchers found that the bacteria not only thrive when added to maple syrup, but also transform the sugars in the sap into a family of natural polymers that can be used to make plastic-like materials that are biodegradable – everything from "green" food packaging to drug-delivery films that dissolve harmlessly in the body.

"We're not talking about plastic to replace the petroleum industry, we're talking about biopolymers with unique applications in the food and medical industry," says Jalal Hawari, a senior researcher at Canada's National Research Council.

The implications, he adds, are potentially enormous to an industry with vast potential for expansion and far more supply than it can sell.

SOURCE: Treehugger.com