Where is best place to buy maple syrup and what type to buy?

[Ocala Cruisers]

Getting ready to do a NE/Canadian cruise and was wondering where to buy maple syrup and what type I should buy. Thanking everyone in advance for their replies.

[Putterdude]

It would be a help if we knew your ports of call.

[Earl Rosebery]

There isn't much point in buying Maple syrup on your cruise. You should be able to get it at your supermarket in Florida. Most people buy Canada Grade # 1. Medium.

Edited September 16, 2014 by Earl Rosebery

[martincath]

Personally I'm all about the darker grades - if you really like the taste, why not max out on it? It's also much harder to find these in supermarkets, which as already mentioned above tend to carry Light or Medium at most (both of which, plus extra Light, fall under Canada No 1 Grade). I used to buy a couple of litres direct from local sugar shacks when I lived in Ontario - out West I have to settle for small bottles of pricey organic syrup to get anything above #1 Medium as it's just such a small % of market share.

 

Different grading systems are used provincially in both Quebec and Ontario than the federal version, and of course the US has different grades too (I think Vermont also uses their own) so it can get difficult - anywhere you might consider buying it on a cruise stop should offer samples; walk away if they don't as you WILL be paying a premium over supermarket pricing.

 

If #1 Light is maple-y enough for you - buy the litre jugs in Costco, end of story. Nobody else even comes close to their pricing.

 

If you're hitting up Nova Scotia, there's been a bit of a resurgence in more obscure syrups as they simply can't come close to Quebec/Ontario's dominance of the maple market - I've had some excellent Birch in the past. Jost's Maple 'wine' also makes for a wonderful digestif or to accompany creme brulee and other custard dishes.

[maryann ns]

Nova Scotia and Quebec have maple syrup industries. On your way to Peggy's Cove near Halifax you can stop at Acadian Maple Products: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g2413221-d4541931-Reviews-Acadian_Maple_Products-Tantallon_Halifax_Regional_Municipality_Nova_Scotia.html

[jdavid]

Nova Scotia and Quebec have maple syrup industries. On your way to Peggy's Cove near Halifax you can stop at Acadian Maple Products: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g2413221-d4541931-Reviews-Acadian_Maple_Products-Tantallon_Halifax_Regional_Municipality_Nova_Scotia.html

 

Hi Maryann - where in NS are you? We are in Dartmouth. You always give great advice to the Halifax port cruisers.

 

Acadian has super maple products!

[Can'tstopcruising]

On the boardwalk in Halifax, there is a candy store.

 

They have something called maple pepper. It is wonderful. We found a different make in our city and replenished because it's lovely to sprinkle over salmon, squash (or soup) or whatever else you fancy.

[sail7seas]

That's a nice store on the Boardwalk. We've stopped in there. :)

[Putterdude]

Martin, Sam's Club sell a brand called Uncle Luke's which which comes from Granby, Quebec, is labeled as US Amber Dark ..... go figure and is sold in their stores at the same price as Costco's Kirkland product......I just looked at the jug in the fridge that we had left over in AZ last winter and brought home. Actually we have both the Costco and Sam's product in the fridge and am inspired to give them the taste test.

[martincath]

Martin, Sam's Club sell a brand called Uncle Luke's which which comes from Granby, Quebec, is labeled as US Amber Dark ..... go figure and is sold in their stores at the same price as Costco's Kirkland product......I just looked at the jug in the fridge that we had left over in AZ last winter and brought home. Actually we have both the Costco and Sam's product in the fridge and am inspired to give them the taste test.

Thanks for that tip PD - I'll need to check it out. If it's dark enough for me that should be about a third the price I currently pay!

[maryann ns]

JDavid, I am in Cumberland County on the north shore.