Making the Grade: Why the Cheapest Maple Syrup Tastes Best

The market for maple syrup offers an odd inversion. The thin, pale fluid labeled Fancy or Grade A Light Amber commands the highest prices. It is the white bread of condiments, an inoffensive accompaniment to more flavorful fare. The robust, thick syrup marked Grade B fairly bursts with maple flavor, but sells at a significant discount. So why does the nominally inferior grade offer decidedly superior flavor? The answer lies in the history of maple syrup, a product that has long served as a symbol of American authenticity. As our sense of American identity has evolved, our syrup labels have not always kept pace.

Not only do I feel this way about maple syrup, but also about sugar (turbinado »> white) and honey (wildflower is waaaaaaaay better than clover).

(via the-feature)

1. pilsookichallenge reblogged this from the-feature
2. palatial-bear-messages reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

   LO I use Grade B Maple Syrup.

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6. remarksman reblogged this from the-feature and added:

   Interesting history of maple syrup.

7. taskeatorange reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

   something I had been recently contemplating.

8. itllbevery liked this
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10. monstersliveindoorways reblogged this from the-feature and added:

    Not only do I feel this way about maple syrup, but also about sugar (turbinado »> white) and honey (wildflower is...

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13. thoughtreform reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

    this came up in my dashboard courtesy of the Atlantic. and now i want pancakes and lots of syrup.

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15. structuralflaws reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

    I have often wondered about this. Grade B is the way to be!

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25. maybe-next-year reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

    it’s SYRUP SEASON !

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    WHOA! HOLD. UP. I think you spelled Canadian wrong in those last two sentences.

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50. sarsann reblogged this from theatlantic and added:

    This one’s for you LMO. And possibly your brother, who gave us this key to maple syrup purchasing…

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