It takes 30 to 40 years for a maple tree to grow large enough to be tapped. You have to collect 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup. One tap will yield about 10 gallons of sap per season. The sugar in sap is stored by the tree as starch throughout the year. In the spring, the starches convert to sugar and flow through the tree in its' sap.
Maple syrup is sold in different grades.
The grades reflect the syrup's color and point to its' taste. Grade A Dark Amber - Darker still, this syrup has a hearty maple flavor . Grade B - Dark as can be. Used for cooking and flavoring products. It won't freeze and will stay fresh for a long time.