Maple syrup is a syrup usually made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, red maple or black maple trees. In cold climates, these trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter; the starch is then converted to sugar that rises in the sap in the spring. Trees can be tapped by boring holes into their trunks and collecting the sap. This is processed by heating to evaporate some of the water, leaving the concentrated syrup. Maple syrup was first collected and used by the Indigenous people of North America; the practice was adopted by European settlers. Quebec, Canada, is by far the largest producer, making about three-quarters of the world's output. The syrup is graded based on its density and translucency. Maple syrup is often eaten as an accompaniment to food, as an ingredient in baking and as a sweetener and flavouring agent. Maple syrup and the sugar maple tree are symbols of Canada and several US states, in particular Vermont.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maple_syrup

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1935:

The first Grant Park Music Festival was held in Chicago's Grant Park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_Park_Music_Festival

1940:

Second World War: The Grand Quartier Général of the French Army was disbanded, following the French surrender. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Quartier_G%C3%A9n%C3%A9ral_%281939%E2%80%931940%29

1960:

Ghana became a republic, with Kwame Nkrumah as its first president. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwame_Nkrumah

1970:

The Belfast Banking Company, which issued banknotes in Northern Ireland, merged with its rival Northern Bank. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belfast_Banking_Company

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

First Nation: 1. (Canada) A community of indigenous peoples of Canada (typically not including the Inuit or Metis), especially one officially recognized by the federal government. 2. (by extension, less common) A community or settlement of indigenous peoples of any country or region. 3. (Australia) A community of indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) peoples of Australia; a group of Indigenous Australians. [...] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/First_Nation

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.   --Robert Stanley Weir https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robert_Stanley_Weir