In advance of Maine Maple Sunday on March 22nd, we'll discuss the history and culture of this iconic Maine product, as well as the challenges and opportunities that the maple syrup industry holds for the future. Native Americans in the Northeast developed the method of collecting sap from maple trees and turning it into a sweetening product. Today, Maine is among the top three maple syrup producers in the nation. We will also talk about some of the purported health benefits of maple syrup--and get some recipe ideas.
Guests
- Kathryn Hopkins, educator with University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension--Somerset County Office; she serves as a statewide resource for the Maine maple syrup industry, and she is one of the creators of the IMSI Maple Grading School that has been presented annually since 2004.
- Scott Dunn, president of the Maine Maple Producers Association; fourth-generation maple syrup maker with Dunn Family Maple in Buxton
- George Cooke, maple syrup producer with Cooke’s Maple Farm in Brunswick
- Bruce Olson, Tree Spirits Winery & Distillery in Oakland
- Alan Greene, owner, Greene Maple Farm in Sebago
Resources
- Maine Maple Sunday
- Make Maple Syrup at home
- A Maine Maple Sunday Map
- 21 Marvelous Maple Syrup Recipes
- How to Make Maple Sugar