Syrup vs Sirup

March 17, 2021

Did you know that there is an alternate way to spell "syrup"?

We love finding out new and interesting pieces of information and trivia about something we are so passionate about. And we love sharing them with you, too!

What's the Difference?

Although now thought to be a largely uncommon term, "sirup" has historically been the word used to describe the product made by boiling sap.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, "syrup", the spelling as we know it, was instead defined as the end product of adding sugar to fruit juice.

Despite few farmers or the general population using the spelling with an “i”, the United States Department of Agriculture and Canada still choose to use it when referring to pure maple sirup.

Click here to view a copy of the pamphlet Production of Maple Sirup and Sugar from the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued in February 1924 (revised June 1937, reprinted in 1940). It describes the process of growing maple trees, obtaining syrup from them, and how to market the syrup. Pretty interesting stuff!

Delicious Whatever the Name

Whichever word you decide to use, what doesn’t change is our love for this gift from nature. Farming is a way of life on the Adirondack Coast, and we are proud to carry on this tradition in the forests we farm in the foothills of the Adirondacks!