No one is really sure just how long people have been practicing the art and science of making this wonderful product from the sap of a tree. We do know that Native Americans were already using maple sap to flavor their food long before European settlers discovered its sweetness.

Indian Legends and Lore

There are many stories that form the history and legends of the beginnings of maple syrup. Click here for a couple of legends we thought you would enjoy.

Early Methods

• Reduced sap to syrup by repeatedly freezing it, discarding the ice, and starting again

• Used birch bark containers that held about 20-30 lbs of maple sugar for storage

• Preferred sugar over salt and used maple on meat and fish

• Celebrated the return of spring with a “maple moon” festival, known today as “sugar-off time”