Published on March 15, 2025
Maple and its 7 variations
Maple is about so much more than the sugaring-off season! We love enjoying its flavours in our meals, desserts and even our drinks, all year round. Here in Quebec, we know just how perfectly maple syrup pairs with almost anything on our plates. And the best part? Maple comes in so many delicious forms. Syrup, sugar, butter, alcoholic beverages and so much more: there’s truly something for every taste, every dish and every craving!
1. Maple Syrup
The great classic! Did you know that Quebec accounts for an average of 72% of the world's maple syrup production and nearly 90% of Canada's maple syrup production? Delicious in both sweet and savoury dishes, maple syrup is incredibly versatile. Pancakes, yogurt, bacon, salmon: the possibilities are endless! Did you know that early-season maple syrup is lighter in colour and has a milder, sweeter taste? As the season progresses, the syrup becomes darker and more flavourful. In short, we love our maple syrup!
2. Maple Water
What is that, you may ask? Maple water is simply the natural sap of the maple tree, in its 100% pure and natural form. Several Aliments du Québec member businesses offer this unique product in its original form, sparkling or even blended with fruit. Maple water is an excellent alternative to artificially sweetened soft drinks. It can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in your favourite recipes. Have you ever considered making your coffee with maple water?
3. Maple butter
Rich, smooth and decadent, maple butter can be enjoyed any time ! Only cooking and churning make the texture of this butter, no dairy products are used. Surprising, isn’t it ? Several member businesses offer a full range of maple butter varieties with different flavours to discover.
4. Maple spirits
What if we added a little maple to our glasses, whatever the season? Whether you're pairing a drink with a meal, adding something special to an apéritif with friends or celebrating a special occasion, maple-based alcoholic beverages offer a wonderful way to discover local flavours.
Did you know there are three main categories? Acer is a maple wine made through fermentation. Acerum is a spirit produced by distilling maple wine in Quebec according to specific production standards. Finally, maple-based alcoholic products combine an alcoholic beverage, such as cider or whisky, with maple syrup. With so many options, there's a maple drink for every taste!
5. Maple taffy
What could be better than spending a day outdoors with family and ending it with delicious maple taffy poured over snow? This quintessential Quebec tradition is a wonderful way to celebrate maple season while enjoying quality time with loved ones. All you need to do is boil maple syrup until it thickens, pour it over clean snow and enjoy!
6. Maple Sugar
Take your recipes to the next level with maple sugar! An excellent alternative to regular sugar or brown sugar, it brings a local touch to your cooking and baking. Available in different textures, from granulated to smooth, maple sugar is sold by several Aliments du Québec member businesses in grocery stores. It's an easy way to add a little maple magic to just about any sweet recipe!
7. Maple Flakes
Who would have thought that simply dehydrating maple syrup could produce delicate maple flakes? Thankfully, someone did! Today, we can enjoy maple in all its forms. Whether sprinkled into a cocktail, added to a dessert, used as a coating or mixed into a spice blend, maple flakes bring a little taste of Quebec's terroir to all kinds of dishes.
