Serve syrup warm over pancakes, waffles or French toast.
Karo Syrup - About Us. The Corn Products Refining Company of New York and Chicago is formed, and on May 13, introduces Karo Light and Dark Corn Syrup. It is believed that the chemist and expert syrup formulator in honor of his wife Caroline coined the name "Karo".
We Tested More Than A Dozen Maple Syrups—These Are Our 4 Favorites
- Most Splurge-Worthy: Anderson's Pure Maple Syrup. Courtesy of Anderson's.
- Best Budget: Log Cabin Original Syrup.
- Best Vermont: Butternut Mountain Farm 100% Pure Vermont Maple Syrup.
- Best Flavored: Trader Joe's Vanilla Bean Infused Vermont Maple Syrup.
It's about time that Quaker and PepsiCo retired Aunt Jemima, not only for its obviously racist imagery of black servitude but also because the syrup is just plain bad. The first two ingredients are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup, followed by water, cellulose gum and caramel color.
The biggest difference between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup is the list of ingredients. Pure maple syrup is simply maple tree sap that's been boiled down to a thicker consistency. Just one ingredient. Pancake syrup, on the other hand, is made with corn syrup and artificial maple extract.
Maple Syrup Is Not Healthier Than SugarPure maple syrup is a better choice than pancake syrup, but it certainly isn't a health food. It is considered to be an "added sugar" in your diet. But regulations about how maple syrup's sugars are listed on Nutrition Facts Labels could lead to some consumer confusion.
INGREDIENTS: CORN SYRUP, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WATER, CELLULOSE GUM, CARAMEL COLOR, SALT, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, SODIUM BENZOATE AND SORBIC ACID (PRESERVATIVES), SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE.
So best to refrigerate it. Imitation maple syrup, usually sold as "pancake syrup," generally is made of mostly corn syrup with a tiny bit of pure maple syrup or artificial maple extract (Aunt Jemima's is one such brand). These syrups often have preservatives that make them safe to store opened without refrigeration.
But Vermont officials, seeking to protect the state's signature commodity, contend that Log Cabin All Natural Syrup is not what it seems, enticing consumers into dousing their pancakes with ingredients that include caramel color, xanthan gum a natural thickener and a paltry 4 percent maple.
By contrast, the artificial stuff — think Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth's — is mostly corn syrup. Fake maple syrup resembles real maple syrup about as much as Velveeta resembles a good Camembert. But when I asked 1,000 Americans which they preferred on their pancakes, the artificial brands won out big time.
Despite some beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, maple syrup is still very high in sugar. It has a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar, so it may not raise blood sugar levels as quickly.
This is probably the easiest, fastest way to get a delicious maple syrup substitute: mix some jam (or jelly, or preserves, or marmalade) with a splash of water in a small pan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth, adding more water as needed until you get a nice, syrupy consistency.
Sugary foods aren't exactly revered for their health benefits, but maple syrup may be an exception. Researchers say they have found special anti-inflammatory properties inside maple syrup, and this finding could lead to the creation of powerful new medicines for serious diseases, like cancer.
Lower CholesterolIn animal studies, scientists have looked into the effects maple syrup may have on cholesterol. Not only was maple syrup found to lower cholesterol in mice, it was also found to potentially prevent inflammation of the liver.
Storage: Do you need to refrigerate maple syrup once opened? YES. Once the container is open, maple syrup should be refrigerated. Once in contact with air, mold could develop if the product is not refrigerated.
Maple syrup never spoils! This is due to the high concentration of sugar in maple syrup. Maple syrup should be kept in the refrigerator once it's opened so as to discourage mold from growing on the syrup. Should mold grow on maple syrup, it's safe and easy to remove.
