Maple syrup from Manitoba maple (Acer negundo L.) on the Canadian prairies

Abstract

Manitoba maple (Acer negundo L.), which occurs naturally throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba and has been planted extensively in prairie shelterbelts, is now beginning to be used to produce maple syrup on a small commercial scale. The product is a light-coloured syrup which has been judged to have a distinctly pleasant flavour. The product is presently sold locally with an emphasis on its distinctiveness of flavour and its origin on the prairies. Studies completed at Indian Head, Saskatchewan show that sap sugar content is slightly less than that of the sugar maple and that its sap flow volume is considerably lower. A three year mean sap yield of 9.8 L per tap resulted in a syrup yield of 0.23 L per tap. This is about one quarter to one half of that in a sugar maple. Key words: Maple syrup, Manitoba maple, prairie shelterbelts