When it comes to grades of maple syrup, things aren’t as straightforward as you might expect. Most grading systems work off of a system with A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s, and F’s with A’s being the best and F’s being the worst — but that’s not how maple syrup is graded at all! In today’s blog at Brookfield Maple Products, we talk a little bit about the maple product grading system and how you can make sense of it. Keep reading to learn more and check out our delicious maple products today!
For each of the grades below, you may notice that they have multiple names. That’s because the name that comes first is how the grading tier was formally known, and the ones after are how they are known today with the recent change in the USDA grading system.
Fancy/Grade A: Golden Color and Delicate Taste
Formally known as Fancy, Grade A: Golder Color and Delicate Taste maple products are typically made in colder climates and is often the first syrup of the season to be tapped. This has a light golden color and a more delicate taste. This type of syrup is great for pancakes and waffles. Not that the other maple syrup grades aren’t!
Medium Amber/Dark Amber/Grade A: Amber Color and Rich Flavor
Formerly known as Grade A: Medium Amber and Dark Amber, Grade A: Amber Color and Rich Flavor is made in the thick of the season. It features a smooth, well-rounded flavor that works well in warm beverages like coffees and teas or as a glaze for your proteins.
Grade B/Grade A: Dark Color and Robust Flavor
Formally known as Grade B, Grade A: Dark Color and Robust Flavor features a strong, rich maple flavor. Maple products using this grade of maple syrup almost have a brown sugar taste to them. This grade of syrup works very well as a BBQ glaze!
Grade C/Grade A: Very Dark and Strong Flavor
Formally known as Grade C, Grade A: Very Dark and Strong Flavor has the boldest, strongest maple taste. This grade of syrup is tapped at the very end of maple season and is often not available for purchase in retail maple products. Due to the extremely strong and bold flavor, this grade of syrup is used by manufacturers as an ingredient for candy or as a substitute for molasses.
Shop Brookfield Maple Products
While the maple grading system for maple products may have been more confusing in the past, the recent update has made it easier and more clear than ever. Previously, the grading system would only describe the color clearly, and even then, not every grade described the color (we’re looking at you, Fancy). Now, each grade has a color and flavor profile associated with it to help give consumers a better idea of what they can expect from each grade of maple syrup/maple product. At Brookfield Maple Products, we proudly offer maple products in a variety of grades. You’ll find Grade A: Golden Color and Delicate Taste, Grade A: Amber Color and Rich Flavor, Grade A: Dark Color and Robust Flavor, and Grade A: Very Dark and Strong Flavor in our online store. Shop Brookfield Maple Products today to discover which grade is your favorite!