Holiday Insights : December 17 Holidays - National Maple Syrup Day

National Maple Syrup Day provides us with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this delicious American treat. This sweet and unique flavor originated in America. Native American Indians were the first to harvest and boil the sap of the maple tree into a thick syrup.

Watching or participating in a maple sap harvest, or demonstration, is a fun late winter event. They are held in February-March, when the sap is flowing. It is educational for the kids, too. During field demonstrations, some of the sap is boiled down into syrup. Best of all, free samples are often giving, poured over a pancake or vanilla ice cream.

Did you know? Sap of the maple tree, the same sap used to make maple syrup, makes a refreshing drink. Just put it in the refrigerator and pour a drink whenever you want. Or, have a drink as you harvest the sap from the tree!

How do you participate in National Maple Syrup Day? Pour real maple syrup onto your pancakes or waffles. Or, for an evening treat, pour warm maple syrup onto vanilla ice cream.

Please note, make sure you are using maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Unless the ingredients state otherwise, pancake syrup no longer contains maple syrup.(a surprise to many)

Origin of National Maple Syrup Day:

Our extensive research failed to discover any factual content on this very special day. We are more and a bit surprised to see National Male Syrup Day celebrated in mid-December. We fully expected this day to be celebrated in late winter, when the sap of the maple tree begins to flow.

There was some reference to this as a "National Day". Someone must have decided that all food related holidays should be called "National" days. However, we found no congressional records or presidential proclamation.

Great Gifts for Gardeners

Greenhouses, composters, seeds, starter supplies, more.

Gardeners love gardening related gifts!

More Information:

It's Maple Syrup Time! - all about maple syrup harvesting and making

Christmas Gifts for Gardeners and BackYard Enthusiasts

Ferry Morse Seeds - Millions of gardeners trust Ferry Morse seeds, America's oldest and #1 selling seed with their famous "Guarantee to Grow".