Does natural maple syrup ever go bad?

[closeupready]

I've had a jar of 100% Vermont maple cider for about six years, and it tastes fine, but I wondered if anyone knows, does it go bad?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I don't think so; it can last almost indefinitely.

I've heard that if it's not refrigerated it's possible for mold to grow on the top, but even so you can scrape off the mold, boil the syrup and it will be just fine.

[MineralMan]

2. Almost nothing can live in concentrated sugar solutions, so

it should last almost forever. Keep the cap on it and, if any mold forms on the surface, skim it off. It's harmless, anyhow.

[Kadie]

3. We had ants get in our bottle of syrup once.

LOL! I thought the bottle looked strange and noticed it full of black ants. My dad had already eaten a stack of pancakes! He just laughed when I showed him the ants.

:rofl:

[Xipe Totec]

4. Ever hear of honey pot ants?

Honeypot ants, also called honey ants or repletes, are ants which are gorged with food by workers, to the point that their abdomens swell enormously, a condition called plerergate. Other ants then extract nourishment from them. They function essentially as living larders.

Many insects, notably honey bees and some wasps, collect and store liquid for use at a later date. However, these insects store their food within their nest or in combs. Honey ants are unique in using their own bodies as living storage, but they have more function than just storing food. Some store liquids, body fat, and water from insect prey brought to them by worker ants. They can later serve as a food source for their fellow ants when food is otherwise scarce. In certain places, they are eaten by people as sweets and are considered a delicacy.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeypot_ants

[Kadie]

6. Had not heard of them.

Amazing. I clicked on the link and looked at the large picture. Wow. Just amazing.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

5. Only when it hangs out with other syrups from the bad part of town

They hang out in front of the drug store, smoke cigaretts, go necking at lookout point, and before you know it, "teenage bride."

I've seen it happen. It ain't pretty when a syrup goes BAD.

[MajorChode]

7. It can grow mold and yeast

I'm not sure about harmful bacteria, but you can get mold growth on top and it definitely will ferment under the right conditions. In both cases you'll know it as the appearance and/or smell will change dramatically.

[fortyfeetunder]

9. Mold growth -- controllable

I used to get mold in my syrup so I just boiled it for a few minutes, then strained it thru a filter, put it back in refrigerator.

[DeepBlueC]

8. it will crystallize

[704wipes]

10. yes, I think we always called that 'turn to sugar'

nt

[handmade34]

11. Enjoy it!... if maple syrup is boiled down properly

it will not go bad (should have a density of about 68% sugar). Best to keep it in the fridge or freezer though. If mold does form on the top, skim it, boil it quickly and it will be fine. It should not crystalize unless it has a greater density of sugar than normal for syrup.

I have sugared on a small scale and some in the family had a big operation - sold maple cotton candy at the fair. So good, I can't describe.

[elleng]

12. WOW! That sounds GREAT!

Fair where? Heading thru VT into Quebec province next week!

[handmade34]

15. assume you will be headed up on I-91

http://connecticutvalleyfair.com/ in Bradford is happening next week... no idea who vendors will be.

http://www.countyfairgrounds.net/vermont/vermont.php (my youngest son just bought a food van and will be selling at Caledonia County Fair)

fresh is really best but here are some sites that sell it... can't personally vouch for them... I've been away for a few years (miss Vermont much)

http://www.jedsmaple.com/phpNew/cat112.php
http://www.maplesyrupvermont.com/item--Maple-Cotton-Candy--maplecc.html

[elleng]

17. THANKS!

Have/had relatives in Bradford! NOW I'm getting upset! May not be able to spend TIME in VT!

[kedrys]

14. Maple cotton candy?

Where? Where? Where? WANT! :D

I got some seriously good taffy at the sugar shack company event this spring, but maple cotton candy? Why the heck didn't I think of that?

[handmade34]

16. see #15

[elleng]

20. I WANT TOO!!!

Will be at Ayer's Cliff next week, driving north thru Vermont, and having heard of it, I WANT IT TOO!!!
:9

[crimsonblue]

13. yes.

everything but honey will go bad in time.

[closeupready]

21. Well you know what's funny - I've had this quart for about six years,

and I opened and used it a couple times right after returning from a trip to Vermont, and then put it in the back of the refrigerator, and haven't used it since, but the other day, I tasted a teaspoon of it - it looked as clear as if it had been just tapped, and it tasted exactly as I remember. And I didn't get sick, so I guess mine hasn't gone bad yet. :)

[Kali]

18. syrup or cider?

;) I've never heard of it but humans will ferment anything. I have heard of flavoring beer with maple syrup.

Maybe rotten syrup turns into cider?

[auntAgonist]

19. I always bought Maple Syrup by the gallon.

I put a small amount in a jar in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. A couple of gallons lasted about a year, just long enough for the new sap to flow. I never had to throw any out.

aA
kesha