WelcomeWelcome to the Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut (MSPAC). The traditional season to make maple syrup in Connecticut extends from early February until late March. This is called “the sugaring season”. Freezing nights and warm, sunny days are necessary for the maple tree to yield sap, a colorless liquid with a light, sweet taste (2%-4% sugar). Maple syrup producers, also referred to as sugarmakers, collect this maple sap, and through boiling, the maple taste and amber color are formed. We hope you enjoy reading more about MSPAC, syrup making and all things maple!
GOOD NEWS ABOUT MAPLE
Maple syrup joins the ranks of broccoli and blueberries as new 'one-stop shop' superfood By DAILY MAIL REPORTER UPDATED: 19:55 EST, 31 January 2016 Blueberries, broccoli and fish rich in Omega 3 are among the best known superfoods. But now something rather sweeter can be added to the list of healthy foods containing high levels of antioxidants that boost the immune system. Maple syrup is even being described by scientists in America as a ‘one-stop shop’ for beneficial compounds. Tests on the syrup, which is made by boiling sap from the maple tree, found that it contains compounds which could help manage Type 2 diabetes, as well as acting as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents. Researchers identified 54 compounds, twice as many as the syrup was previously thought to have. Five were found to be unique to maple syrup. Several of the syrup’s polyphenol, or water-soluble, compounds inhibited the enzymes that convert carbohydrates to sugars, raising the prospect of a new way of managing Type 2 Diabetes. They also found that many of the antioxidant compounds, which prevent the oxidation and ageing of the body’s cells, aren’t found in other natural sweeteners. Dr Navindra Seeram, who led the research at the University of Rhode Island, said: ‘We don’t know yet whether the new compounds contribute to the healthy profile of maple syrup. ‘But we do know that the sheer quantity and variety of identified compounds with documented health benefits qualifies maple syrup as a champion food. ‘It is a one-stop shop for these beneficial compounds, several of which are also found in berries, tea, red wine and flaxseed, just to name a few.’ Explaining the science behind the findings, he said: ‘We found a wide variety of polyphenols in maple syrup. We discovered that the polyphenols in maple syrup inhibit enzymes that are involved in the conversion of carbohydrate to sugar. ‘In fact, in preliminary studies, maple syrup had a greater enzyme-inhibiting effect compared to several other healthy plant foods such as berries.’ ‘By 2050, one in three people will be afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, so finding a potential anti-diabetic compound in maple syrup is interesting for the scientific community and the consumer.’ The findings of Dr Seeram’s team were presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in California. Genevihve Biland, marketing director for the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, one of the sponsors of the research, said: ‘Given its amazing potential for human health and great nutritional value, maple syrup is a natural choice for a healthy lifestyle.’ Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1372549/Maple-syrup-joins-ranks-broccoli-blueberries-new-stop-shop-superfood.html#ixzz3zW8Npr55 Making Maple Syrup the UConn WayIn 2005, members of UConn's Forestry and Wildlife Club received a grant to purchase equipment and a sugarhouse to reinvigorate the production of maple syrup on campus. 9 years later, the spirit lives on in a new batch of students. Check out the video produced by the club.
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News & Events
August 7th- Mass Maple Summer Picnic November 5, 2016 - Annual Membership Meeting at Wamogo High School in Litchfield January 21, 2017 - Pre-Season Meeting at Lyman Memorial High School in Lebanon Check out our featured "maple" recipe. If you sell syrup in CT, please click here for new regs. What's New
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Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut
Maple syrup producers association of Connecticut
mspac
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