As Canadians, we all get excited during the early spring months as the maple trees are ready to tap and extract that beautiful sugary sap to boil down and turn into maple syrup. But did you know, there's another delicious way to consume sap?
As the name suggests, both maple syrup and maple water come from the same source: maple trees.
Maple tree water, known more commonly as "sap", is a thin, clear, liquid by-product of the natural growth process of maple trees. Maple trees draw moisture up through their roots and trunk and acts as a natural filter while also adding nutrients and a subtle sweetness to the water. This sap is stored in the tree all winter, providing the tree with hydration and nourishment that it needs for growth and rejuvenation in the Spring.
Maple tree water harvesting requires just the right temperatures. Temperatures need to be below zero at night but above zero during the day to collect maple sap. The cool spring air means the trees still have stores of energy from winter, while the thawing of the earth provides warmth for the sap to flow freely. For this reason, early Spring (during March and early April) is the ideal time to collect maple sap.
Maple tree water harvesting practices are sustainable and eco-friendly. The maple tree harvest process, when done correctly, does not harm the maple trees and allows them to continue to produce sap throughout their natural lives, which is up to 200 years, without disrupting underground water resources (and, as a bonus, it naturally absorbs CO2 the whole time, which is a win for the environment!).
Maple sap production also helps keep hardwood forests standing and healthy, rather than cutting them down for lumber or development.
Maple tree water is naturally sweet and enriched with a number of nutrients. While sap travels up and down the maple tree, it collects a variety of minerals, electrolytes and amino acids from the Earth such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc which work to boost immune health.
Innovative businesses have seen the opportunity to turn maple tree water into a game-changing beverage and Sapsucker is one of these businesses that has definitely changed the hydration game! Whether you use it in place of sodas or tonics in your favourite cocktail recipes or choose to sip it straight from the can, Sapsucker's sparkling maple water is not only unexpectedly refreshing, but incredibly delicious!
Sapsucker is an organic, plant-based sparkling tree water that contains no added sugar with only 7 grams of naturally occurring sugar (this is half that of coconut water!). Sapsucker's beverages are slightly carbonated with a "subtle bubble" for easy drinking.
Sapsucker comes in a variety of flavours including: The Lemon One, The Lime One, The Original One, The Grapefruit One, and The Orange One with a new addition coming VERY soon that we can't wait to get our hands on for you to enjoy.
Sapsucker is truly locally-tapped. It is made from maple trees tapped right here in Ontario at farms, located just 40 minutes outside of Toronto.
Sapsucker passionately supports local farmers and as a result, their maple water has a lower carbon footprint than other plant-based beverages on the market. Sapsucker doesn't use underground aquifers which means that the water in your Sapsucker can originates as rain and ambient moisture in the air and soil.
Sapsucker's maple water is also gluten-free, preservative-free, sodium-free, nut-free, soy-free, GMO-free, vegan, and contains 46 naturally occurring nutrients, minerals and electrolytes that support immune health.
Try their sparkling maple water, available by the case from 100km Foods!