Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees, usually collected by boring holes into the bark. In Spring, the starch that had been stored in the roots for Winter is converted into sugar as the temperature warms. Real maple syrup can be fairly expensive due to the low quantities produced by each tree; the average tree will produce about 50 litres of sap per season, but an average of 40 liters of sap is needed to produce just 1 litre of maple syrup! The rich and beautiful flavour produced, though, is well worth the price.

Find some inspiring maple syrup recipes in this collection, including Shaun Rankin's American-style pancakes, Nuno Mendes' frozen maple with shiso and green apple, and a crispy orange and maple whole fried duck recipe from James Sommerin.