What is one of the most quintessential Canadian condiments? If you thought maple syrup, then we’re on the same page. If you thought of something else, let me know, I’d love to hear what came to mind.
Unfortunately, last week I missed the Waterloo-Wellington Maple Syrup Producers’ ceremonial first tree tapping. I had been looking forward to the day and the delicious maple syrup-filled breakfast for weeks, but the weather was just to dodgy for me to brave the country roads to get to the farm.
But it got me thinking.
The ceremonial tree tapping was on Feb. 28 and when I talked to some producers on March 2, they said they were getting ready to start boiling sap the next day.
In my head it’s still winter but I guess to maple syrup producers, once March hits, it’s spring time.
The producers will have about six weeks to produce all of the syrup we consume throughout the year. Six weeks. And during that time, producers work non-stop boiling down the sap to get just the right syrup to appeal to the masses.
I’m spoiled. I despise the fake table syrup because growing up, I only ever had the real stuff. My dad made it a priority. Last year he and my fiancé decided they were going to try their hand at tapping trees and making their own syrup. I wasn’t too involved but I heard a lot about it.
For their two or three pint-sized mason jars of syrup each, it seemed to take forever to boil. It seemed to be whole-day ordeal. It remains to be seen if they are as ambitious this year.
I cannot imagine the work that goes into creating syrup for mass production and somehow making that syrup stand out from the farm down the street. It’s an art. So make sure you take some time to appreciate your local maple syrup this season and if you see a producer, be sure to thank them for going out in all weather conditions and working around the clock during sap season to bring it to you.
The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival takes place on April 4 and is a good way to sample syrup and see all the local producers.
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Let’s talk about a bit about the Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington Bee Hive.
I’ve been hearing about this space for a while and to actually go and experience it was better than I’d ever imagined. It’s going to be quite the place for youth in Centre Wellington to learn valuable life skills while feeling safe.
But it’s the community coming together and numerous businesses donating their services, supplies and time that’s truly remarkable. You know who you are and I thank you for what you’ve done for the community.
The Bee Hive is set to open mid-March.
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