What is the difference between light, amber and dark maple syrup?

Maple syrup is graded based on it’s color; in the United States, there are five grades. As the color gets deeper, so does the flavor: the lightest colored syrup (Grade A Light Amber) has the most delicate flavor and Grade B Dark syrup is much more intense.

Grade A Medium Amber syrup is right in the middle, meaning it strikes a good balance between having discernible but not overwhelming maple flavor. This is the syrup most people use on pancakes and for baking.

Do not confuse pancake syrup for maple syrup. Pancake syrup is often made from corn syrup with maple flavoring.

Recipe: Maple Syrup and Spice Bag