Fluctuating weather patterns may cause concern for morning commutes and weekend plans in March – but there’s a sweet silver lining! This jump from winter to spring brings about sap season, a time when sugar houses across Michigan get busy making maple syrup. Take advantage of this sweet time of year with a local product! Check out our recommendations for great syrup and unique maple products from small businesses near you:
The Sweet Stuff: Maple Syrup Selections from Michigan
Located in Beth in the Western U.P., Circle Back Farm says that their most popular maple syrup product is a classic 12 oz flask of the ‘true, good stuff’! They generally have three grades available: early season “Golden with Delicate Taste”, “Amber with Rich Flavor” and the end-of-season “Dark with Robust Taste.” Circle Back Farms never blends any off-flavors, allowing for a quality product that can be shipped directly to your door. Learn more and order on their website!
In the lower peninsula, look to Shelby’s Kasza Sugar Bush for maple syrup sourcing! With both Grade A Amber and Dark offering the rich flavors of maple season, they say their customers leave great reviews of its amazing taste! Pick up a quart for only $20.69 on their website.
Flavor Focused: Infused Syrups & More
Regular ol’ syrup not quite hitting the tastebuds this season? Try an infused syrup, which is great for coffee sweetener, or baking! At BrixStone Farms of Bear Lake, they offer both cinnamon or vanilla bean-infused syrups. Head to their Open House on March 23rd to try a sample alongside your sugarhouse tour and pancakes! BrixStone Farms has a 5-star rating on Google and has yet to receive a single negative review about its maple syrup products. Check out more or place an order on their website!
Doodles Sugarbush of Lynette offers a unique flavor for their infused syrup: salted caramel! They recommend it as a perfect partner for creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a great addition to a latte to make a Michigan-inspired caramel macchiato. Try it, as well as their maple candy and sugar, by ordering online!
Totally Michigan, Totally Unique: Maple Mead!
We’re not done yet! Dive into maple season with mead at BlØm Meadery. With tasting notes like woodsy, jammy, and charming, this mead is crafted using pressed blueberries and rich maple syrup. Naturally gluten-free, and falling in line with their catalog of light, dry and sessionable meads, this delicious brew is not only available in their Ann Arbor taproom but also in statewide grocery and wine stores. Find out more on their website!
How will you be celebrating early Spring’s maple season this year? Tag us using #tastethelocaldifference to let us know!