Maple syrup is a popular, well-liked sweetener. It is an extremely good and natural foodstuff that is used in many wonderful dishes including pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, and even cocktails. However, when maple syrup is spoken of, there is a tendency to confusion. Some people tell you that if you open the bottle of syrup it should be kept in the refrigerator. Meanwhile, others assert that it can be kept on the shelf in the house. Which is the correct rule? Does maple syrup need to be kept in the refrigerator?
The Answer
The answer is that it needs to go into the refrigerator once it has been opened. One of the finest advantages in the use of the natural product is that it has a remarkable keeping quality. It is nevertheless a perishable product and gets old as would any other product of the same nature with the odorous and nauseous effect.
When a bottle or vessel containing maple syrup is opened and exposed to the air, finally the syrup forms a medium for the growth of the common molds and bacteria. These in turn will produce other products and help to spoil the syrup. This can eventually render it unfit for use. The syrup should therefore be kept in the refrigerator after it has been opened. This is in order to effectively check the excess production of any of these toxins or poisons produced by this bacterial growth.
Are all the syrups the same?
It may be said, however, that not all syrups can be treated the same. In this case we refer to pure maple syrup that is made from the sap of the maple tree. Being a “pure” product, it is much more perishable commercially than other forms of syrup. This is due to the fact that in other manufactured syrups such as pancake syrups and corn syrup. There are various preservatives and other additives which tend to increase the stability of the product. This results in pure maple syrup being so different than other products in instability because it is easily fermented.
It is fully explained by saying that pure maple syrup contains a considerable amount of sugar. This naturally favors the rapid growth of these bacteria or molds. Conversely, some commercially-prepared maple syrups also contain preservatives and conditioners which keep them for long periods, and these may be kept without refrigeration. These preservatives and conditioners, etc., are in such cases purposely added to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. When such syrups are once opened, however, it is in all cases better to put them in the ice chest. You should follow the same general procedure for their care.
How should you store it?
In case maple syrup is cooked and put away for refrigeration, attention should be paid that it is bottled in a clean, airtight vessel, such as glass jar, or plastic can, etc., and in cooler places. This prevents, to some extent, the syrup from coming in contact with the air. All syrup spoils, unless properly cared for owing to the presence of the latter. Also, it helps to some small degree against refrigerator odors from penetrating it and changing its flavor. The syrup should be examined from time to time too, for possible spoilage, due to mold, etc., or perhaps a sour smell.
Are you, like myself, and never having the needed amount of room in the refrigerator for large bottles? You can keep the syrup packed away in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. But it is necessary to remember that the syrup will be inferior in quality in its self-preserving qualities if partaken of at room temperature. It is wise to consume it in a shorter time when cooked as stated. But if it be possible, it is much better to take it out of the ice chest and consume it while fresh.
Keep in mind
By the time it’s opened, then it may become better loved. So many kinds of commercially produced maple syrup exist. Some of the others may be unrefrigerated, but as always consult the label and heed manufacturers’ guides.
But when you do this of the syrup, use always a clean, and airtight vessel. Check the syrup often for possible spoilage. These simple things being heeded, it is possible to discover fine and delicious maple syrup on served up for much longer time.
Curious to know what else comes under the category of refrigeration? We mean the pumpkin pie.
