Perfect on a heaping stack of pancakes, drizzled over fluffy waffles, or as a sweetener in pies and porridge, maple syrup is a beloved breakfast and dessert staple here in the United States. With more than 1,500 sugarhouses that produce over 1.3 million gallons of syrup each year, Vermont is the nation’s leading producer of this sweet treat. In addition to its delicious taste, the Vermont maple syrup contains healthy minerals like calcium, manganese, and potassium and is a natural source of beneficial antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to help prevent cancer, support the immune system, lower blood pressure, and even slow the effects of aging. The next time you’re in the Green Mountain State, be sure to try the delicious (and healthy!) maple syrup that has made Vermont so famous.
Get a Taste of Vermont Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup Production
There are three distinct species of maple trees that are most commonly used to produce pure maple syrup – the red maple, the black maple, and the sugar maple. Maple tapping season begins in late winter and early spring, when the temperatures are still below freezing at night but rise during the day. The increase in temperature causes the starch in the trees to liquefy, creating the sweet sap we know and love. Sugarmakers across the state begin tapping the trees, with some drilling as many as 40,000 to 60,000 taps over the course of 4 to 6 weeks. The maple sugaring process is a simple but delicate one, and is done with a few supplies including a drill to tap the hole, buckets to collect the sap, and a cheesecloth to filter out any particles (like bark) from the liquid.
Take a Maple Syrup Tour
Of course, the best way to experience Vermont maple syrup is to taste it for yourself! A variety of maple fairs, festivals, and special events are held all year long that celebrate the syrup and those who make it. On April 2nd and 3rd, 2016, guests are invited to Open House Weekend where they can visit sugarhouses and restaurants across the state and watch as maple syrup is being made. You’ll enjoy pancake breakfasts and sleigh rides, and at some sugarhouses, you can ski or snowshoe through the woods to taste authentic Sugar-on-Snow. Yum!
Or, feel free to check out the Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans, VT, during the last week of April. For 49 years, the state of Vermont has celebrated the end of winter and the first harvest of the year with this three-day event. Guests can experience various family-friendly activities like exhibits, demonstrations, contests, and tastings that are all dedicated to maple syrup.
Plan a Sweet Trip with GetAway Vacations!
Now that you know all about the delicious Vermont maple syrup, it’s time to start planning your trip! When looking for a place to recover after your sugar rush, be sure to book your stay with GetAway Vacations. Our luxurious vacation rentals in Killington, VT, offer luxurious and comfortable amenities (like jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces!) that will help you restore after a long day of exploring. We can’t wait for you to try our state’s scrumptious sweet treat!
For more information on Vermont maple syrup and tips for planning your trip, download our free Killington Vacation Guide.
