Maple Syrup

The captivating story behind Canada’s beloved sweet treat

From the quiet beauty of sugar maple forests to the high-tech, high-stakes world of syrup production, this book takes you on a remarkable journey into one of Canada’s most cherished traditions. Led by Peter Kuitenbrouwer, a forester with a deep appreciation for the land, this beautifully illustrated narrative uncovers the rich Indigenous heritage of maple syrup, explores its cultural significance and reveals the complex industry that sustains it today, where vast warehouses store a product so valuable it became the target of the Great Maple Syrup Heist, one of Canada’s most infamous thefts.

Blending history, culture and science in a story that stretches from eastern Canada and into the northeastern US, Maple Syrup stands as a testament to the resilience, communal joy and economic intricacies that define maple syrup, and is the perfect read for anyone who loves Canada, its heritage and the irresistible taste of spring."This book is an absolute masterpiece, hands-down the best non-fiction Canadian food book I've read. The reporting is as deep and intelligent—and to me, at least, as eye-popping—as any you'll find, and Kuitenbrouwer’s storytelling . . . is just bloody glorious. . . . I was just wowed and enchanted (and if we're honest here, insanely jealous) with every page. This thing should be on every single food-loving Canadian's shelf." —Chris Nuttal-Smith, via Instagram

"Peter Kuitenbrouwer draws on this rich well of personalities to create an informative, entertaining account of one of the country’s most iconic natural resources. . . . Fair warning: reading may also induce cravings for maple-flavoured treats." —Winnipeg Free PressPETER KUITENBROUWER is a journalist and registered professional forester. He lives in Toronto and makes maple syrup every spring with his family on their woodlot in Madoc, Ontario.