The approach of spring signals the time to tap the maple trees. A drill is used to make a small hole in the tree trunk from which the tree sap flows. The sap is collected during March and April. Each evening the sap is boiled to make a darker, sweeter syrup. The steam from the boiling sap fills the air with a warm, sweet aroma.
Maple syrup has many uses.
It is delicious drizzled over pancakes, waffles, ice cream and yogurt. Maple syrup is also made into sugar candy, maple cream, taffy, vinaigrette, and relishes, and used in baked goods and beverages to enhance flavor and sweetness. Many nuts are primitive plants which have been on earth since the time of the dinosaurs and are grown all over the world. Throughout history the nut has been an important staple food as it provides protein, carbohydrates and fat. The pecan nut is native to North America and grows on a hickory tree, Carya illinoiensis.