It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Maple syrup is a traditional medicine that symbolizes the end of winter and the very start of the spring season.

The Anishinaabe collected sap or ‘sweet water’ during this time, also known as the Sugar Moon or Maple Moon, as it coincides with the last full moon before the beginning of spring. Oral traditions from elders tell of the first use of the sweet water was to cook venison which turned into the delicious happy accident of maple cured meats and their ability to stay preserved for the winter months. The syrup was also used as a medicine to improve immunity, as a healing balm, and digestive aid. They learned of this capability of the maple trees to make syrup from the ‘little people’ of the woods – little invisible beings that would communicate through telepathy during sleep. 🧚🏽‍♀️

Nutritionally, maple syrup provides the body with protective phytochemicals, 24 antioxidants that reduce the effects of cancer-causing free-radicals, enzymes that enhance antibiotic effects, provides vitamins and minerals (zinc, manganese, potassium and calcium) and lowers inflammation that contributes to chronic disease such as heart disease, arthritis and IBS. It also has a low glycemic index compared to white sugar and high fructose corn syrup which helps manage blood sugar spikes, making it a great alternative to processed sweeteners. The darker the Grade A syrup is, the more robust flavour and more concentration of beneficial nutrients.

Turns out the Europeans loved the natives’ marvellous maple syrup so much, they made the maple leaf the emblem of Canada 🍁

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