Maple Syrup

Walk into any New England pantry—or peek into the cabinet of a thoughtful cook—and you’re bound to spot two golden classics: pure maple syrup and raw honey. Both natural sweeteners. Both beloved. But when it comes down to nutrition, sustainability, and everyday recipe swaps, which one wins out? Hi there, I’m Claire Holloway—forestry science grad,…

By Claire Holloway, Dragonfly Sugarworks Out here in Vermont, maple syrup is more than just a topping—it’s a way of life. But I get it: whether you’ve run out mid-recipe, have dietary restrictions, or just want to try something new, you might be looking for a good maple syrup substitute. The trick is finding a…

Pulling a jar of homemade maple syrup from the pantry is a proud moment—until you notice an unsightly film floating on top. That fuzzy, grayish-white scum? It’s mold. And yes, it can even grow on nature’s sweetest preservative. Hi there, I’m Claire Holloway—forestry science graduate, family sugarmaker, and storyteller behind Dragonfly Sugarworks. If you’ve spotted…

There’s something deeply comforting about opening a bottle of real maple syrup. Maybe it’s the way it clings slowly to the sides of a glass jar, or the rich, woodsy aroma that hints at a snow-covered sugarbush and the heat of a roaring evaporator fire. But if you’ve ever wondered, “Now that I’ve opened it……

Storage Tips, Mold Myths & the Sweet Truth Behind Syrup Shelf Life If you’re anything like me, you might have a bottle of maple syrup tucked in the back of the fridge, waiting for Sunday pancakes or the next cozy baking afternoon. But maybe you’ve pulled it out one day to find… something odd. A…

By Claire Holloway – Lead Writer, Dragonfly Sugarworks Whether you’re drizzling it over your weekend pancakes or using it to sweeten your morning oats, maple syrup brings more than just flavor—it brings energy. But just how many calories are in a tablespoon of maple syrup? And how does it compare to other sweeteners? Let’s tap…

You know the feeling—that gentle steam rising from your weekend pancakes, the golden stream of maple syrup ribboning down, catching the light just right. Around here at Dragonfly Sugarworks, maple syrup isn’t just breakfast—it’s a story, a science, and a tradition. But what’s actually in that sweet pour? Is maple syrup just sugar with a…

Discover the boldest bottles, compare flavor notes, and learn how to cook with smoky-sweet magic. Maple syrup, with its woodsy aroma and golden pour, is already a celebration of the forest. But when it’s kissed with smoke? That’s when something primal stirs. Today, smoked maple syrup is finding its way into bourbon cocktails, roasted vegetables,…

There’s something undeniably magical about bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. The rich, velvety sweetness of real Vermont maple layered with the smoky caramel notes of aged bourbon creates a culinary experience that’s both nostalgic and bold. Whether you’re glazing ribs or adding depth to an old fashioned, bourbon barrel maple syrup is the secret weapon you…

By Claire Holloway – Dragonfly Sugarworks The comforting warmth of maple syrup on a stack of pancakes is timeless—but as labels grow more crowded, you may have noticed a new fork in the forest: organic vs conventional maple syrup. Does organic syrup actually taste different? Are there meaningful differences in how it’s produced—or is it…