The grading of maple syrup
Two grades, four color varieties
Maple syrup is classified according to strict Canadian regulations. Since January 1, 2016, there have been only two grades—Grade A and Processing Grade—and four color classes: Gold, Amber, Dark, and Very Dark.
The purity and sugar content are almost identical in all four varieties: only the color, aroma, and density change.
What changed in 2016
Until 2015, letters and numbers coexisted on a poorly legible scale. As of January 1, 2016, a single classification system has been in effect: two quality grades and four color intensities.
Up to 2015
The letters A, B and C coexisted with numbers.
- Grade A
- Grade B
- Grade C
- No.1 Extra Light
- No.1 Light
- No.1 Medium
- No.3 Dark
As of January 1, 2016
Only two qualitative grades and four color intensities. Grades B and C no longer exist.
- Grade A
- Processing Grade
- Gold
- Amber
- Dark
- Very Dark
Only one grade makes it to the shelf
Grade A is obtained exclusively from concentrated maple sap and is the only grade that can be sold to the end consumer. To qualify, it must meet all these requirements.
Free from unwanted fermentation
Transparent and uniform color
Sediment-free
Not cloudy
Natural maple aroma, characteristic of its variety
No foreign odor or taste
It's all about light
Variety is defined by transmittance: the ratio between the intensity of light entering and exiting a sample. The higher the value, the clearer the syrup; the lower the value, the darker and more opaque it is. Minimum values, with a tolerance of +25%.
up to 100%
Gold
up to 75%
Amber
up to 50%
Dark
up to 25%
Very Dark
Gold, delicate taste
Produced at the beginning of the season, during the coldest period. Golden color, delicate flavor, low density. It is the most prized variety: a smaller quantity is produced compared to all others.
It is best enjoyed on its own, as a substitute for honey on bread and rusks or in drinks. It also enhances savory dishes: try it with young cheeses or in salad dressing.
Aromatic notes
- Fruity
- Hazelnut
- Caramel
Color
Golden
Flavor
Delicate
Density
Low
Amber, rich taste
Harvested in March. Amber color, low density, rich and aromatic flavor with notes of brown sugar and hazelnut.
Its fruity notes make it the ideal breakfast companion: yogurt, fresh fruit, pancakes, and waffles, as well as in cocktails. Also excellent for glazing, as in the classic Canadian maple-glazed salmon.
Aromatic notes
- Fruity
- Smoky
- Caramel
- Licorice
- Hazelnut
Color
Amber
Flavor
Rich
Density
Low
Dark, robust flavor
From sap collected in April. Dark amber color, medium density, strong taste with notes of hazelnut and caramel.
It is the most versatile and most appreciated variety: it works in both sweet and savory dishes. Ideal with fruit or for sweetening coffee, excellent for glazing meat and vegetables or in BBQ sauce.
Aromatic notes
- Fruity
- Smoky
- Caramel
- Licorice
- Molasses
- Hazelnut
Color
Dark amber
Flavor
Robust
Density
Medium-high
Very Dark, strong taste
The last variety of the season. Dark color, denser consistency, concentrated flavor with a caramel and licorice aftertaste.
It's the choice for those who love strong and persistent flavors: perfect as a molasses substitute, in pastries, and beverages. Its intense taste pairs very well with aged cheeses.
Aromatic notes
- Fruity
- Smoky
- Caramel
- Licorice
- Molasses
- Hazelnut
Color
Dark
Flavor
Strong
Density
Tall
Which one to choose?
It's just a matter of taste. The four varieties have different organoleptic characteristics, but the nutritional values of pure maple syrup do not change based on type or color: choose according to the recipe and your palate.
Read the label. Real maple syrup is 100% pure, with no added sugars or preservatives. A single ingredient: maple syrup.
Start your journey into a world of goodness now
Pure Maple Syrup – Gold, Delicate Taste - 189ml bottle
Choose your option
Pure Maple Syrup – Amber – 189ml Bottle
Choose your option
Pure Maple Syrup – Dark - 189ml Bottle
Choose your option
