It's maple syrup season! Fresh maple facts, syrup buying tips and new recipes

Maple syrup products
Maple sugar candy, with its semisoft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and fabulous flavour, is made from Canada No. 1 syrup that’s boiled, cooled, stirred and poured into moulds. These candies are good for about two weeks unless they are coated.

Maple sugar blocks are more granular then the candy and can be chipped or shaved and added to cereals or beverages.

Granulated maple sugar comes from syrup that is boiled, cooled, stirred and sifted. It makes a wonderful addition to baking and beverages.

Maple butter (cream or spread) is syrup that is cooked and stirred to give it the smooth, creamy consistency and flavour of soft maple fudge. Enjoy on toast or bagels.

Pure (natural) maple extract is a flavouring made from alcohol and sugar maple tree oils. It adds maple punch to baked goods, frosting and fudge.

Imitation maple extract uses synthetic ingredients to create flavour similar to pure maple extract.

Maple-flavoured syrup is imitation maple syrup, usually with little or no maple content. It is usually thicker, less expensive than real maple syrup and often called “syrup” or “pancake syrup” on the label.

How to store and use maple syrup
Besides being a topping for French Toast, pancakes and waffles, maple syrup is also a sweetener for applesauce, baked beans and meats. Or use it as a flavouring in baked goods, puddings and ice cream.

Maple syrup will keep, unopened, in a cool dark place indefinitely. Once opened, maple syrup must be refrigerated. If mould appears, discard the syrup immediately.

4 new maple syrup recipes by The Canadian Living Test Kitchen
Maple syrup recipe: Maple Spice Poached Pears
Golden pears in maple-coloured syrup is an elegant, delicious dessert. Cooling the pears in the poaching liquid prevents their discolouration.

Maple syrup recipe: Maple Popcorn Caramel Crunch
You won't be able to resist this ultimate in caramel corn. A deep saucepan of about 16-cup (4 L) capacity is the perfect size so the caramel does not boil over. You'll need the full 10 cups (2.5 L) of popcorn to get it evenly coated.

Maple syrup recipe: Maple Soy-Glazed Salmon
A quick broil at the end gives this salmon a golden, glazed finish. This recipe doubles easily for a dinner party.

Maple syrup recipe: Maple Crunch Layer Cake
Candied maple walnuts sprinkled among the cake layers add a pleasing crunch to this towering treat.