Maple syrup
Made during sap season, February through April, when nights freeze and days thaw. Peak is usually March.
In season in SW Michigan
In season Peak
Months from the MSU Extension: March is maple syrup season. Weather shifts dates a little each year.
Key nutrients
Per 1 tbsp · 20 g
| Nutrient | Amount | %DV | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 52 | ||
| Carbohydrate | 13.4 g | 5% | |
| Total sugars | 12.1 g | ||
| Potassium | 42 mg | 1% | |
| Manganese | 0.58 mg | 25% |
FDC ID 169661 · Syrups, maple (SR Legacy)
%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.
Wellness
A tablespoon of maple syrup has about 52 calories and 12.1 g of sugar, along with 0.58 mg of manganese (25% DV). (USDA) MSU Extension notes there is no direct scientific evidence that maple syrup is healthier than white sugar, and says people limiting sugar should treat it like other sugar products. (MSU Extension)
Pick, store and use
- Pick
Read the label. Most grocery-store pancake syrups are mostly corn syrup or cane sugar; look for 100% pure maple syrup. (MSU Extension)
- Store
MSU advises refrigerating pure maple syrup even before opening: up to a year in glass or tin, 3–6 months in plastic. (MSU Extension)
- Freeze
You can freeze it in freezer-safe glass jars with 1 inch of headspace; frozen, it keeps its quality indefinitely. (MSU Extension)
Where to get it nearby
Farms whose listing mentions maple syrup. Check with the farm before you go.
Sources: USDA FoodData Central, FDC ID 169661 · FDA Daily Values · MSU Extension Michigan Fresh: Maple Syrup (E3251) · MSU Extension: March is maple syrup season · Farm list: Farm to Table Growers research (2026).