This week-end in many cities across Ontario there will be festivals celebrating one of North America's favourite sweet treats. Although many associate Maple syrup as a fall treat, perhaps due to the splendid colours of the fall season, Maple syrup is actually harvested and celebrated at the end of winter and beginning of spring(the months of March and April). Maple syrup is a truly North American food that is only produced in a few States and Provinces in the North Eastern part of North America. Ontario is one of those few provinces. The North American Indians were the first to discover the healing and rejuvenating properties of sap or sweet water that comes from the Sugar, Black and Red Maple trees. The Indians used the maple syrup as both a food and a medicine. To harvest the sap or syrup from the Maple trees the Indians used their Tomahawks to make an incision into the tree and then used birch bark to collect the sap or sweet water. They would then throw hot rocks into basins of the sweet water to help condense and sweeten the liquid. When the North American settlers came to Canada and the United States the North American Indians passed on their knowledge and traditions of collecting and harvesting the sap from the Maple trees. The settlers modernized the process to use drills bits to tap into the trees, they collected the sap in pails and then boiled it in metal kettles over a fire. It is still done much the same today. In the beginning of the 20th century Maple syrup was the main sweetner used by North America as the taxes on sugar sent from the West Indies was way too expensive to afford in every day life. Eventually over time sugar became more affordable and accessible and the production and use of Maple Syrup declined greatly. Today it is only one fifth of the amount produced in the early 1900's.
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Similar to honey, Maple Syrup has much more antioxidants than sugar, and is also a great humectant for the skin. Foods high in antioxidants help to fight free radicals that can cause aging and disease. Yet, Maple Syrup has fewer calories than both sugar and honey. It also has more trace minerals than honey or sugar. In particular Maple Syrup has a high amount of Maganese (a trace mineral) and a good supply of Zinc as well. Zinc is especially helpful for men as it helps to prevent prostate cancer.
Add some Maple Syrup to your day
Like many high antioxidant foods, it is good to include them in your diet and also to apply them topically to your skin. In many cases you can simply replace sugar or honey in recipes with Maple Syrup. Just remember that if you are replacing a recipe with Maple Syrup as opposed to sugar, you will have to reduce the liquid ingredients at some point in the recipe.
For some simple ways to add Maple Syrup to your day simply try sweetening your coffee or tea with Maple Syrup rather than using sugar or honey. It is also excellent when added to a bowl of hot oatmeal in replacement of the brown sugar. And of course it is great on top of pancakes, waffles, French toast or ice cream.
If you would like to try a Maple Syrup recipe for your skin try making a Maple Sugar Body Scrub:
Ingredients:
One cup of organic sugar
1/2 cup of natural oil(try grapeseed, almond, jojoba, coconut, or a combination of these oils)
2 Tbsp. of 100% organic Maple syrup
Directions:
Mix the above ingredients together in a small bowl. When thoroughly combined pour into a small sealable glass jar. Use in the shower as a body scrub, or as a hand or foot scrub in the bath. Keep for up to 3 months. This body scrub is full of antioxidants and will soften and exfoliate your skin.
The most important thing when purchasing your Maple Syrup is to make sure that it is a 100% pure Maple Syrup. Look on the tag or bottle to make sure it says "Pure". Maple flavoured syrups will not have any of the same antioxidant or skin care benefits, and will likely be high in processed sugar. Pure Maple Syrup is usually available at the super market, but cost a little more than regular syrup. It is also available in some health food and specialty stores. A great place to pick up some authentic and pure Maple Syrup would be at one of the many Maple Syrup festivals happening this week-end right here in Ontario.
Festivals happening this week-end in Ontario
The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival- April 6, 2013
Friends of Killbear Annual Maple Syrup Festival(near Parry Sound) -April 6, 2013
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival-Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia(near Alliston and Barrie)- April 6-7, 2013
Sweet Water Harvest- Midland Tay Township, Wye March, Midland, Simcoe County April 6, 2013
To find out more details about these Festivals or other Maple Sugar Events simply go to the Ontario events website at: www.400eleven.com/maplesyrup-festivals.html
Maple Syrup body treatments at spas in Ontario
Maple syrup has also become a favourite ingredient in many spas across Ontario. The following spas offer a special Maple inspired spa treatment:
The Serenity Spa by the Falls at the Niagara Falls Marriot Fallsview Hotel, offers the Maple Sugar Glow body treatment. It is enriched with the Bio-Maple Components found in Canadian Maple Syrup which is said to "leave skin re-hydrated, smooth and radiant". The 60 minute treatment costs $105. Phone: 1-888-209-1001 or 905-358-4048 to make an appointment.
Claramout Mount Inn, Spa and Restaurant, located in Picton, Ontario offers the Maple Antioxidant Wrap which is said to be a signature treatment of the spa. The treatment uses the Maple Syrup from Prince Edward County. It starts with a maple sugar scrub, then a warm application of maple syrup, followed by a warm Vichy shower to help skin soak in the antioxidants and minerals. This is said to nourish the skin and maintain cell integrity. It finishes with a hydrating body lotion and a cup of warm maple tea. Cost for this treatment is $115. To book your appointment call: 1-800- 679-7756 or 613-467-2709.
Whether you choose a week-end get away to a Maple Sugar Festival or a Spa get away for a Maple skin care and body treatment, your skin and body will thank you.
Comments