The captivating story behind Canada’s beloved sweet treat
From the quiet beauty of sugar maple forests to the high-tech, high-stakes world of syrup production, this book takes you on a remarkable journey into one of Canada’s most cherished traditions. Led by Peter Kuitenbrouwer, a forester with a deep appreciation for the land, this beautifully illustrated narrative uncovers the rich Indigenous heritage of maple syrup, explores its cultural significance and reveals the complex industry that sustains it today, where vast warehouses store a product so valuable it became the target of the Great Maple Syrup Heist, one of Canada’s most infamous thefts.
Blending history, culture and science in a story that stretches from eastern Canada and into the northeastern US, Maple Syrup stands as a testament to the resilience, communal joy and economic intricacies that define maple syrup, and is the perfect read for anyone who loves Canada, its heritage and the irresistible taste of spring.
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Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession
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Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada's Sweetest Obsession
"This book is an absolute masterpiece, hands-down the best non-fiction Canadian food book I've read. The reporting is as deep and intelligent—and to me, at least, as eye-popping—as any you'll find, and Kuitenbrouwer’s storytelling . . . is just bloody glorious. . . . I was just wowed and enchanted (and if we're honest here, insanely jealous) with every page. This thing should be on every single food-loving Canadian's shelf." —Chris Nuttal-Smith, via Instagram
"Peter Kuitenbrouwer draws on this rich well of personalities to create an informative, entertaining account of one of the country’s most iconic natural resources. . . . Fair warning: reading may also induce cravings for maple-flavoured treats." —Winnipeg Free Press
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 5 reviews.
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Reviews
I love Maple Syrup
"This is an excellent book recounting the history, numerous interesting facts, and the current status of Canada's Iconic tree's syrup. It was simply a joy to read, so much so that I may have caught the Maple Syrup lovers' disease!"
— Steve (5/5)
Neat book on some Canadian history
"If you enjoy fun facts/details on the country's history, it's pretty interesting — I didn't know that maple syrup had this much behind it."
— James S. (4/5)
Excellent Read
"A truly fantastic read. From exploring the First Nations origins of maple syrup to the inner workings of large corporate producers, and everything in between, Kuitenbrouwer paints a picture of an industry steeped just as much in tradition as in deception and greed. Although full of information, the book reads like a narrative journey through this sweet industry, weaving Kuitenbrouwer's own life experiences in with stories of the maple syrup world. I rarely read non-fiction but could not put this book down. I highly reccomend it to anyone who has ever tasted maple syrup."
— NateK123 (5/5)
instructif et bien écrit
"Belle histoire pour découvrir l'exploitation du sirop d'érable"
— Julie (5/5)
Great read.
"Great book if you are interested in this tasty Canadian treat."
— Jonathan (5/5)
Q&A
Published date: Oct 21, 2025
Language: English
No. of Pages: 328
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
ISBN: 9780385698184
Dimensions:
5.41" W x
1.11" L x
8.28" H
PETER KUITENBROUWER is a journalist and registered professional forester. He lives in Toronto and makes maple syrup every spring with his family on their woodlot in Madoc, Ontario.
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