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- [Mark] This is Mark
Isselhardt, Maple Specialist

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with University of Vermont Extension,

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and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.

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There are four grades of pure maple syrup,

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golden color delicate taste,
amber color rich taste,

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dark color robust taste, and
very dark color strong taste.

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Each grade has a range
in color as defined by

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its light transmittance.

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Knowing the color of pure maple
syrup and into which grade

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it falls is one of the
key elements of grading.

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Vermont Maple regulations state

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that golden color delicate taste syrup

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has a light transmittance
of not less than 75%.

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Amber between 74.9 and 50%.

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Dark between 49.9 and 25%,

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and very dark less than
25% light transmittance.

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Using a temporary color comparator

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for color grading can be effective.

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As long as the amber colored
glycerin samples haven't faded

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with time or exposure to light,

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permanent glass comparators are available

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and will remain accurate over
time, but are more expensive.

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Syrup will naturally darken over time.

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If the syrup color is very
close to the lower limit

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of a given grade when packed,
it will likely be out of grade

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within a month or two.

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Sugar makers are advised to keep this

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in mind when selling syrup
in the retail market.

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This is Mark Isselhardt, Maple Specialist

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with University of Vermont Extension,

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and this has been another
Vermont Maple Minute.