By Matthew M. Thomas
You can read my latest maple history contribution in the September 2025 edition of the Maple Syrup Digest newsletter at this link or by clicking on the image of the article. The Maple Syrup Digest, it is the official quarterly publication of the North American Maple Syrup Council.
This article traces the history of the introduction and use of block sugar in the maple syrup industry. Block sugar was made by super heating maple syrup into a thickened consistency and then pouring it into large, hard 60 to 70 pound blocks of pure maple sugar. Large blocks like this made it easier to store and ship maple sugar for use in flavoring various products like tobacco and blended table syrups. The article explains more about block sugar’s origins, the key players in its production and sale, and how widespread the use once was.
You can read the article at this link or by clinking on the accompanying image.