Now here's the tricky part. This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.Â. How about just “Light” “Medium” “Dark” and “Very Dark”. The only old that became new (or very, very, very close to it) is Fancy/A Light Amber became Gold Delicate (thank you Vermont for defending your Fancy grade legacy). This grade of maple syrup is a little more flavorful and works well when cooking and baking. Tins, 610 lb. Ex. Very confusing article. The new regulations began in Vermont last winter, and a few weeks ago the USDA revised its standards to match. If you order Grade A Dark Robust it is the same thing as the former Grade B. I love these articles that say, “the old A Medium is now Amber Rich” and “the old A Dark is now Dark Robust”. Instead, it was sold to factories and candy producers to make things like maple candy. Pour a small glass, and just drink it . It was very strong maple tasting and she would also bring a one pound brick of maple sugar (it looked like a pound of butter) this was maple heaven. In its place I found a shelf full of of Grade A syrups in varying colors. It went from a few shops usually having it but best go to the health food store, to virtually every grocery shop having maple syrup- sometimes even two different brands. This, of course, is a matter of personal taste, but to know you’re getting the right level of maple intensity, you’ve got to know which grade to buy. dark color, robust taste maple syrup The concentrated flavor of this darkly colored, robust tasting, grade A maple syrup is perfect for making baked squash or homemade granola. Lose the “A” and use the colors instead: Golden, Amber, Dark, Very Dark. I never paid attention to the letter grades, but recently I found a bottle labeled “dark color and robust flavor”. Heck, why not go with a number. Next steps with new maple grades Both the color and the maple flavor are a bit stronger and more intense than the Amber, Rich. letting your tongue savor it, as it coats your mouth. OLD: “Fancy” or “Vermont Fancy” Grade A Dark Color, Robust Taste Maple Syrup: As the days become warmer and longer in sugaring season, we produce this full-bodied maple syrup grade. Think of maple syrup as a continuum, and you’ll understand the difficulty of trying to define and limit the various “levels.” The new “Grade A/Amber Color and Rich Flavor” is the range from Grade A Medium to Grade A Dark” – and is almost certainly the same syrup that any of us with access to New England used for ourselves. Both the color and the maple flavor are a bit stronger and more intense than the Amber Color, Rich Taste. It was a very poor choice, IMO, and just a way to batch product for sale. As a youth spending Saturdays helping collect (the old fasioned way – you know, pails) and boil down the syrup, I was paid with a quart of the dark stuff. ???? Its strong maple flavor also lends itself to meat glazes, cooking recipes, and on top of waffles, pancakes, or oatmeal. Tried it, loved it, stockpiled it. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Hi Don. I probably wouldn’t have picked it out if not for the label, so I like the change. then make some pancakes . Dark Color Robust Taste maple syrup is often preferred because of its robust maple taste. If you've picked up a bottle of maple syrup lately, you may have had a similar experience. 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Canada Grade A Dark, Robust Taste. Syrup made from sap collected early in the season has a lighter color, while syrup made later in the season, when the weather is warmer, is darker. The darker the syrup, the stronger the flavor. then dip a strip of crisp applewood smoked bacon into it . The lighter syrup will be the Amber Color, and the darker will be categorized as Dark Color and Robust Flavor. ORGANIC • GRADE A. It's not your eyes fooling you: the grading system of maple syrup has changed. Stop writing this as fact as it is far from it. Grade A: Very dark and strong taste According to the Associated Press, the change was welcomed in the northeast, especially Vermont. What a marvelously absurd solution to a nonexistent problem. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. It contains stronger, more pronounced flavors but is not sharp, bitter or off-flavor. Not sure? Bernard 100% Pure maple syrup Grade A Dark, Robust Taste 540ml Processed to perfection by the 5th generation master sugar makers, Bernard 100% pure maple syrup is enjoyed and served with pride around the world. This grade of syrup is known for having a stronger taste than other grades and is perfect for use in recipes or to add maple flavor to cooking. And now that you have a guide to maple syrup grades and can purchase the correct variety for what you’re looking for, we think it’s the perfect time to try some of our favorite maple syrup recipes. Producers are supposed to actually taste and grade syrup based on those flavor designations. Best for all-around use for cooking and at the breakfast table on waffles, pancakes, and French toast. . Better to create your own labels after taste test ; using color as differentiation; as taste is a consequence of palate . One step up in flavor, this grade has a stronger and deeper flavor—it's almost brown sugar-like. Here’s a guide to the four new maple syrup grades, along with their “old” names. Some prefer this to other grades for table use to add a strong maple flavor to pancakes or waffles. › … The pure maple syrup had a great deal more flavor! Our guide to maple syrup grades is here to help. My grandmother’s sister would come down from canada and bring a gallon tin of maple syrup was excellent dont know what grade of syrup it was. Coffee Maple Syrup. As the color gets deeper, so does the flavor: the lightest colored syrup (Grade A Light Amber) has the most delicate flavor and Grade B Dark syrup is much more intense. Take a break and read about all of your favorite locations that made the Best of New England Hall of Fame. All rights reserved. A twist on bananas Foster, this parfait is made with rye instead of rum and finished with caramelized-maple pecans. My family comes from Quebec and the first run syrup (No 1 extra light) is the most prized so for me that’s the only true syrup- the dark ones taste like molasses to me. Is there another set that are all “Bs”? Medium Amber and about the third of the Dark Amber range were merged into Amber Rich (so yes, Amber Rich can be considerably darker than Medium Amber was). Rhoda suggests using it in BBQ sauce and as a glaze for grilled meat. It’s just more challenging to find as the A grades are more popular and available. Very Dark Color Strong Taste maple syrup has also recently been noted in a number of celebrity diet trends. Purchase Options. Maple syrup lovers are a passionate bunch and there are strong opinions about which is more desirable, light or dark syrup. Leave it up to the government to take a perfect system and make it perfectly confusing. Which grade is your favorite? Yummy, scrummy taste of home – take me back through Time’s wide door. Compares well to the former Vermont Grade B and former Vermont Grade A Dark Amber. Pronounced maple flavor and is ideal for those who prefer stronger maple taste. Its flavor is easily accessed, but not overwhelming–in the way molasses is not sorghum, I guess you might say. Maple syrup and real butter on waffles! slowly . Pure maple syrup has no artificial colors, flavors, additives or preservatives. For the producer, it opens up the Very Dark & Strong Taste expression of maple to being appreciated for its excellence and not associated with a second rate connotation.". Organic Maple Candies And Cream. Which is it? Perhaps because my familiarity with maple syrup goes back many, many years, I do not find this at all difficult to understand. We also love its full-bodied flavor stirred into oatmeal and atop buttermilk pancakes. Grade A: Dark Color & Robust Flavor Formerly: Grade A: Dark Amber or Grade B One step up in flavor, this grade has a stronger and deeper flavor—it's almost brown sugar-like. 12 FL. Ad Choices, How to Make Sense of the New Maple Syrup Grades. Epicurious Food Editor Rhoda Boone recommends baking with this grade as well as stirring it into cocktails or tea. What an absurd solution to a nonexistent problem. Super light syrup made at the very tail end of the season is NOT Golden Delicate, no matter how much it was processed to be clear in color…. I have always been a big fan of Grade B, whether it’s for cooking or using on my homemade waffles. But how do you find the grade of maple syrup you're used to? Shop for Simple Truth Organic™ Grade A Dark Color Maple Syrup at Kroger. The real maple syrup is so delicious that it’s addictive. That is where the old becoming new ends. 100% Pure Maple Syrup, Canada Grade A Dark, Robust Taste. Multiple varieties of pure Vermont maple syrup for sale at the Boston Public Market. Drums, Totes and Food Tankers This grade of maple syrup is even stronger in flavor and is best used for recipes that require a heavy maple flavor. Our Grade A Dark Robust (formerly Grade B) syrup is blended from sap harvested toward the latter part of maple season. Won’t be able to go back to my old standbys again – I’ve been spoiled. It is 100% pure organic maple syrup. NEW: “Grade A | Amber Color and Rich Flavor”. http://vermontmaple.org/maple-products/maple-syrup/. A, B, and C keeps it simple and love them all! Grade A: Dark Color & Robust Taste The third syrup to be tapped, consider this the new Grade B . And the grade A dark amber we used to buy for eating was NOT equivalent to grade B, which I used for cooking and bought at the same farm. My kids teacher tried boiling sap down to syrup in the kitchen and the wallpaper peeled off the wall. grade a: dark color, robust taste Caramel-like with deep maple notes, it works well as a brown-sugar substitute (2/3 cup syrup for every 1 cup sugar). Pure, dark Canadian maple syrup with good clarity and light, silky texture. As we all know, change isn’t always positive. The former Grade A maple syrup is now known as Grade A Amber Color Rich Taste. Guide to Maple Syrup Grades | Understanding the New Grading System. Bourbon Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup. I used to eat the fake syrup on pancakes etc. This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. Here in Texas we’re just glad to be able to find real Vermont maple syrup. It’s auburn in color, with a flavor that is deep, nutty, and reminiscent of brown sugar. To revisit this article, select My⁠ ⁠Account, then View saved stories. "For the consumer, it helps simplify the product differentiation by using uniform adjectives to describe each expression’s color and taste. Remember, we’re looking at a continuum, so that the fact that the old Grade A Dark Amber is shown as both Amber Color and Dark Color really shouldn’t be that confusing. Showing all 12 results. In addition I do recall it was a little more maple flavor than I am use to. I doubt I’m the only one. Every grocery store here in California, and Trader Joe’s has “real” maple syrup, and most places have different grades as well. Dark Color and Robust Taste: Stronger and darker than the lighter grades, this has a robust and substantial flavor that is ideal for grilled, glazed, or baked dishes. Natural sweetner, only the sap of wild growing maple trees is used to make pure maple syrup. Some syrups are like water coming out of the bottle while others are thick and syrupy. Blame it on the fact that I grew up in New England: I'm seriously addicted to maple syrup. UPC 8-15369-01042-9. Located in Aisle 36. The flavored kart based stuff is truly an abomination ? Product does not contain any artificial flavors, preservatives or dyes. Now we have no idea how dark “Grade A | Amber Color and Rich Flavor” will be. The new grades don't perfectly line up with the old grades. This grade of maple syrup is very strong, and probably best used as a substitute for molasses and for making maple flavored candies. Grade A Dark can be no darker than the United States Department of Agriculture visual standard Dark Color. Pumpkin Spice Maple Syrup. GRADE A: VERY DARK COLOR, STRONG TASTE Compton also suggests trying it in coffee or as an unconventional pairing for cheese in place of honey. We usually have to buy Aunt Jemima or other doctored brands. Grade A Medium Amber syrup is right in the middle, meaning it strikes a good balance between having discernible but not overwhelming maple flavor. Coombs Family Farms Maple Syrup, Organic, Grade A, Dark Color, Robust Taste, 32-Ounce Jug: Amazon.com.au: Grocery & Gourmet Food Coombs Family Farms Maple Syrup, Pure Grade A, Dark Color, Robust Taste, 32-Ounce [$17.15 or $16.29 w/ Subscribe & Save] Amazon.com Dark Robust is comprised of the remaining “2/3” of the A Dark and the top “half” of what was formerly known as B (Again, Dark Robust can be darker and stronger than the old Dark Amber). Grade A Very Dark Color Strong Taste is dark, robust and is the strongest flavored syrup generally used for cooking, but gaining popularity as a table syrup among consumers. But if everything is an “A,” then nothing is. Then apply your personal taste preference to determine the visual as a clue to your taste results. OZ. Pickup SNAP EBT Eligible The intent clearly being to open up the markets to good tasting table appropriate syrup that was “just too dark” to receive an A grade under the former rules. Dark Robust has a deep amber color and is great for use in recipes, the special flavor of pure maple carries through to your favorite dishes. Maple Valley Co-op is the leading supplier of organic maple syrup for the Master Cleanse. The parfaits can be made ahead and look great layered in freezer-proof rocks glasses or mason jars. Don’t know what grade it is or how it would be labelled in New England. Many folks use Dark Robust for table syrup, baking and the Master Cleanse. Just recently bought something labelled “Pure” maple syrup for the 1st time – with our area’s largest grocer’s label on it. Since it has such a strong flavor, Rhoda suggests "substituting it one to one in recipes that call for molasses.". Raised in NH and really liking the flavor of maple syrup, my preference has always been Dark Color and Robust Flavor. Grade A Dark Color Robust Taste: The darkest grade available, providing a strong and hearty maple flavor. Both the color and the maple flavor are a bit stronger and more intense than the Amber, Rich. My preference is on the Amber rather than the lightest, but they are all delicious! Admittedly, taste is subjective, but when you get strong nasty flavored syrup, you know what it is and more importantly, what it isn’t. . While “Grade B” no longer exists (it is replaced with Grade A Dark Color, Robust Flavor), there are still two primary grades of 100% real maple syrup with clear and helpful descriptors. You say that the old Grade A Dark Amber is now both Amber Color and Dark Color. This is the lightest of the new maple syrup grades and highly recommended for drizzling over waffles, pancakes, or ice cream. NEW: “Grade A | Very Dark and Strong Flavor”. But once I tasted genuine maple syrup, I couldn’t stomach the fake stuff. This is New York State Grade A syrup with a Dark Color and a Robust Maple taste. Yum! Organic Grade A Dark/Robust With a color and maple flavor more intense than Amber/Rich, this versatile grade is great as a topping and for cooking. Lovely caramel notes allow for a perfect pairing with pancakes, yogurt and fruit. The circular firing squad of American producers shall be remembered as fools. To be able to really taste its light flavor, it's best for traditional uses: drizzled over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and yogurt. I know that this can depend on the boiling down time, but there should be more of an indication on the container. Before 2014, pure maple syrup was graded using three letters — A (light), B (dark), and C (very dark, and only sold commercially). Know, change isn ’ t be able to go back to my roasted vegetables, and best! 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Family Farms share a commitment to quality, environmental stewardship and sustainable forestry flavored kart stuff.