Sugar maples are common in eastern deciduous forests especially at lower elevations. Trees reach up to 98 feet in height and are common in lawns due to their fast growing nature. For those of you lucky enough to have spring actually springing I wanted to send a reminder that maple trees are edible. Young leaves and buds make an interesting addition to salads and the bark from saplings can be peeled and dried for tea. Mature beans are great dried and ground to be used in muffins and quick bread recipes or if young enough peel them and serve as you would green English peas.
Maples tend to cycle in the years they produce a plentiful amount of seed.
So if your favorite maple is not providing enough beans this year to mess with figure to be busy in the next year or two. Harvests are usually heavy every 3-4 years. Combine the flour and baking powder, and stir to mix well. Add the apple sauce, maple syrup and egg whites, stir. Fold in fruit or nuts.