Maple Syrup Dissected

Maple sap contains sucrose and trace amounts of oligosaccharides, including raffinose. Sucrose concentration is typically 2–3%, though it can range from 0.5–10%. Other organic compounds in the sap include organic acids, amino acids, amides, ammonia, and peptides. The organic acids in the sap include malic (0.21%), citric (0.002%), and traces of succinic, fumaric and several others. The total mineral content of the sap is 0.66%. Common minerals include potassium (0.26%), calcium (0.07%), silicon oxide (0.02%) and lesser amounts of manganese, sodium, and magnesium.¹

¹Willits, CO. Maple Syrup Producers Manual. Washington: US Department of Agriculture; 1958.