The Difference Between Grade A and B Syrup

Syrup comes from the maple tree.

Maple syrup is as synonymous with springtime in Vermont as turkeys are with Thanksgiving. If you have had the opportunity to visit a sugarhouse, you might have seen a row of glass bottles of syrup displayed in a window, the light shining through them like stained glass, revealing them each to be a different shade of amber. These differences in color represent different grades of maple syrup.

Introduction to Maple Syrup Grades

There are actually a number of grades of maple syrup besides Grade A and Grade B. In years past, syrup was graded as Fancy, A, B and C, but this grading system has been revised. The highest grade is now known as "Vermont Fancy," the next highest is Grade A Medium Amber, the third is Grade A Dark Amber, and the lowest of the four is Grade B. The three A Grades are known as "table grades."

Grade A Light

Grade A Light Syrup is also known as Grade A Fancy. This syrup is produced in the earliest part of the sugaring (maple syrup producing) season. It is light colored and has a very delicate maple flavor. It is often used to make maple candies and maple cream. Because it is the highest quality, Grade A Fancy syrup is also generally the most expensive.

Grade A Medium

Grade A Medium syrup is darker than Grade A Fancy. It has a stronger maple flavor, and is the grade of syrup most commonly served at the table, for pancakes and waffles.

Grade A Dark

Grade A Dark syrup is darker than Grade A Medium. It has an even stronger maple flavor. Grade A Dark may be less expensive than Grade A Medium, but it is still a popular choice for serving at the breakfast table. It is the lowest of the so-called "table grades" of maple syrup.

Grade B

Grade B syrup is made in the latest part of the sugaring season. It is characterized by its dark color, and its strong flavor. Even though it is not considered a table grade, many people prefer it over the lighter grades, due to its concentrated maple flavor. Grade B syrup is also preferred for cooking.

References

• Vermont Maple Syrup Grades
• Vermont Living Magazine: Vermont Maple Syrup Grades
• Maple Grove Farms of Vermont
• Grade B Maple Syrup - and what about Grade C?

Resources

• High Acres Maple Syrup Cook Book; Susan Chapman Melanson; 2007
• The Maple Syrup Book; Janet Eagleson and Rosemary Hasner; 2005
• The Vermont Encyclopedia; John J. Duffy, Samuel B. Hand and Ralph H. Orth; 2003