Food Service and Chefs : Syrup Packaging/Grades
Chefs’ Guide to Maple Syrup Packaging and Grades
The USDA syrup grading system uses five different maple grades. Three grade A’s; Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber and two darker syrups, Grade B and Commercial Grade. These grades have upper and lower limits for color and flavor. As a rule, the darker the color, the stronger the flavor. Contrary to popular belief, maple syrup grades do not indicate which syrup is better, but is simply an indication of color and strength of maple flavor. Individual preference for a particular grade of maple syrup is similar to that of the wine consumer; some people prefer reds, some whites, some blush and so on. These similarities extend to other agricultural food products such as olive oil where extra virgin would be similar to light amber maple syrup; the first out – and then darker as the season progresses.
Maple Syrup Grades
Grade |
Flavor |
Grade A |
Light Amber A very delicate flavor |
Grade A Med. |
Amber A stronger yet mild maple flavor |
Grade A Dark |
Amber Robust maple flavor, great for cooking and on oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, glazing salmon, etc. |
Grade B |
The consumer’s heartiest maple flavor choice, most often used in cooking. Great for cleansing diets. |
Commercial |
Exceptionally strong in flavor, used as a commercial ingredient. |
Maple Syrup: When, Where and How You Need it!
Bascom Family Farms is a leading supplier of 100% pure and organic maple syrup in various grades. Our pure maple products are available for shipping year round in a wide range of forms and packaging when and how you need them. If you're looking for maple syrup in glass, plastic jugs or drums in sizes ranging from 1.7 ounces to 220-gallon totes, we can meet your needs. Have a custom packaging request? Call us! Our packaging facility is designed to heat, filter and pack syrup to exacting specifications. The result is always top quality maple product you will be proud to serve to your customers!
Call for packing, pricing and shipping information today. Let us be your maple source… you can count on us!
