How Is Maple Syrup Graded?

The maple syrup grading system is built on a combination of flavor and translucence, the latter of which measures how much light is transmitted through the syrup. Darker maple syrup grades permit less light to pass through, and lighter grades of maple syrup have the highest levels of light transmission. As a general rule of thumb, the lighter maple syrup grades are produced earlier in the season when the weather is colder and the darker maple syrup grades show up later in the season when it’s warmer.

The flavors can be graded using the following flavor wheel: