Maple Weekend: Tasting Sweet Ontario

​As we enter Spring and wrap up Easter, we prepare ourselves to celebrate and say goodbye to Maple Syrup season.
 
During the first weekend of April, the Ontario Maple Syrup Producer’s Association hosts its annual Maple Weekend (April 7-8th this year from 10am to 4pm). This is a weekend that gives everyone the chance to experience first-hand how maple products are produced.
 
No “farm to table” here, we are talking about from “tree to table!”

It’s a great learning experience for everyone, especially kids. It’s so important that we teach them where their food comes from and teach them from an early age what real food tastes like, whether its maple syrup, tomatoes, or apples.
 
The food industry has been the culprit in our loss of connection with our food. They have influenced the “food-like” products we see in grocery stores today.  In the case of Maple syrup, companies replaced the real stuff in many households and kitchen cupboards with the food-like product: “pancake syrup.” 

This resulted in a reality where many people don't know the difference and believe that the syrup they are consuming is the real thing. 

And I don't blame them. I mean I didn’t even really know the difference until I started getting to know my farmers and tracing my food back to its roots.

​This is why I think Maple Weekend is such a great opportunity and fun weekend activity to participate in. It allows us to go to the source of our food!

​There’s nothing more valuable than that.
 

This will be a first time attending Maple Weekend. Even though I’ve been in Canada for 14 years now, I’ve never been to sugarbush!

​I know, I know, I can’t believe it either.
 
So this year I will be partaking in Maple weekend and experiencing my first Maple Syrup sugar bush visit!
 
This year I’ve chosen to visit Snyder Farms. They aren’t only part of Foodlink Waterloo but I’ve only heard amazing things about their maple syrup! Plus, I hear they are serving a pancake breakfast which already sounds too good to pass up. 
 

I have been using Maple syrup a lot more in my recipes and I’ve developed quite the appreciation for it. I can definitely see why Canadians love it and take pride in it. So, I am excited to get to know this “food” I use on the regular now and see and learn where it comes from and what it takes for it to be produced.

​​Snyder Farm is not the only sugar bush open this weekend, there are so many across the province! Check out Maple Weekend’s page for all their locations.
 
I hope you join me and in on the fun of visiting a local sugar house!

Maple sugaring is a centuries-old craft and sugar makers are inviting YOU to experience this with them! So you can’t miss out. During Maple Weekend, you can talk to the producers in your local area and ask questions. They will be happy to share their story about their farm and their operations.
 
I’m sure there will also be free samples of fresh syrup (yum!) and other maple candies and confections to enjoy from. Some locations will be serving pancake breakfasts so you can enjoy a very much Canadian breakfast while learning about this long-time Canadian springtime treat.

Do I need to say more to convince you? I think it sounds like too much of an awesome and delicious experience to pass up.
​
So grab some friends or your family, and share in the fun of the sweetest time of the year!

​-Sassy