Have you noticed bottles of Maple Water showing up in your grocery store? It’s become the latest rage in “health water” and currently is running side-by-side with coconut water in popularity. Of course, some manufacturers are making some crazy health claims but a few nutritional facts we do believe: maple water has some sugar content (about 5 grams per cup) and a very slightly maple-sweet flavor. It has the same nutritional profile as maple syrup with trace minerals present such as calcium and potassium but especially manganese. These minerals are one reason it’s being touted as a good post-workout drink.
One fact we can prove without a doubt: this stuff is very expensive and some stores sell 32-ounce bottles for over $5! So this fact got us thinking: who hasn’t tasted sap straight out of a spile and couldn’t we just make our own maple water? And the answer is absolutely yes! The maple water that manufacturers are selling is just pure maple sap that’s been pasteurized and bottled. Well, we know how to get the sap for almost free so all we need to do is boil it, right? So here’s your easy, one-step recipe:
DIY Maple Water
Maple Water
Materials
- pure maple sap, filtered
Instructions
- Heat to boiling and let boil for three minutes or so, filter again through the thinner filter, let cool, and refrigerate. Use within a few days of boiling. Or, freeze in small portions to thaw as needed.
- Drink straight over rocks, add to smoothies or protein drinks, sweeten up a cocktail, or use as liquid replacement in recipes.
Another bonus: if you replace coconut water with your own homemade maple water, you’re also greatly decreasing your carbon footprint! That coconut water puts on a lot of miles (and packaging) before it gets to your shelf.