Question about "maple syrup"

[no_hypocrisy]

I was given a small bottle of maple syrup and so I don't know its true origin.

I was advised that it was likely "low grade" and it is very light in color, tawny.

I've used it sparingly and while it's sweet, it lacks a real maple flavor.

Here's the question, I've noticed large sugar crystals growing on the bottom and sides of the bottle. They are clear, not like the light brown crystals I've seen in say, honey.

Do you think my maple syrup isn't maple syrup at all and it's adulterated sugar syrup?

[Cairycat]

1. Real maple syrup will get crystals like that

so I wouldn't worry too much. The lighter maple syrup is, the less maple flavor it has. I get maple syrup from a farm about 70 miles away. It is a medium brown and has good maple flavor. Is there anything local you could get?

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Thanks. I'll look at Abma's Farm. If they don't grow, it comes from regional farms.

[Major Nikon]

3. It might be only maple flavored syrup, but the sugar crystals wouldn't be evidence of that

If the bottle doesn't give the origin, it's probably safe to assume it isn't real maple syrup. It could be low grade, but that usually isn't sold retail.

At first glance, good maple syrup might seem expensive, but it really isn't. The good stuff is packed with flavor so you don't need very much. I use about a teaspoon on my oatmeal. I store the opened bottle in my fridge and it lasts a very long time.

[applegrove]

4. My aunt used to cook off maple syrup every spring at her cottage. You can

bet she never adulterated it in any way. Pure maple homemade syrup was her thing. Every year there would be crystals in the bottom once it had been sitting in the fridge for a few months. Hers was darker than you describe.

[Tab]

5. Maple syrup is sold in grades

Premium Ultra-light color is grade A. Not everyone likes it, though.

Grade B is darker, has a stronger maple flavor. A lot of what you buy in the store, including the insincere "Vermont 'Maid'" is usually grade B approximates. Most chain restaurants serve Grade B.

I don't think I've had anything lower than 'B'. It exists, I just haven't.

Source: Grew up in maple syrup country.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. Thanks!