Why eat Canadian maple syrup

Canadian maple syrup is widely used and popular in Canada and North America, where it is used as both a topping, for example on pancakes, and in the preparation of desserts in general as a substitute for sugar. It’s truly a product with a thousand uses, rich in beneficial properties thanks to its nutrients, which earn it the title of “liquid gold”.  Let’s discover the origins of Canadian maple syrup, and its everyday uses, together.

Maple syrup production

Maple syrup production is an ancient tradition, which has come to symbolise North America and Canada in particular, which boasts 80% of the total world production of this sweetener.

Maple syrup is a completely natural sweetener as it’s made from the syrup of two types of maple, the sugar maple and the black. The sap is extracted from the trees in spring, using tubes inserted directly into the heart of the plant. Tradition has it that the extracted sap is then boiled and finally filtered. Depending on the level of refinement, Canadian maple syrup is classified into 3 categories: Grade A is the most refined, characterised by a light, almost transparent colour and a delicate flavour. Grade B is the middle ground between the two categories and has an amber colour and more intense taste. Grade C, on the other hand, is the purest, with a dark colour, strong flavour, and very fully-bodied consistency.

Maple syrup: properties and benefits

Maple syrup is also known as “Canadian liquid gold” because it’s a true wellbeing concentrate. It’s rich in B vitamins and mineral salts such as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and manganese, which make it a perfect food supplement. But maple syrup‘s properties don’t end there: it’s the perfect companion for sportsmen as it has great energising action; it’s also a natural antioxidant, and acts as a purifying and draining agent as it stimulates diuresis, expelling excess toxins from the body. Maple syrup has a very low glycaemic index, a characteristic that makes it the perfect sweetener for those with type 2 diabetes, but also for those on a diet: it’s naturally low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol. Maple syrup‘s numerous benefits have also been exploited in the world of cosmetics: its antioxidant properties have been used in the creation of anti-ageing creams and scrubs, and hair-strengthening products.

Maple syrup in Italy

Although famous and popular in North America, in Italy maple syrup is still not very well-known or used, despite its high nutritional value. But to try the real taste of this liquid gold, all you have to do is enter a RivaReno laboratory! The finest-quality Italian products blend with Canadian tradition and customs to create the New York New York gelato we prepare it every day using only organic, authentic maple syrup combined with caramelised pecans to create a unique and delicious taste, a true sensory journey to discover Canada!