Organic maple syrup is another alternative sweetener just like honey and it has been used as such for quite some time now. Tapping maple trees for its sweet sap has long been practiced by the indigenous peoples of North America. Then the Europeans came, encountered sweet liquid for the first time, and adopted the method.

Most maple syrup is more or less organic in the sense that one hardly needs to use petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides to maintain the mature maple trees that are tapped. Of course those who truly practice organic agriculture will strictly adhere to the guidelines set by relevant certification agencies. This may include among other things refraining from adding artificial ingredients and using only safe materials during the whole process from extraction to bottling.

Organic maple syrup is mostly composed of sucrose (around 60%) which makes it almost like ordinary table sugar and necessitates judicious use. However it still does offer some amount of beneficial minerals which is why it belongs in the moderate section of the Superhuman Food Pyramid.

Find out what health benefits and risks come with organic maple syrup. Continue reading →