Volume 41, August 2015, Pages 129–136
Highlights
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- Samples of maple sap were collected at different periods of the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
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- Compound concentrations for sap collected using modern technologies are reported.
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- Changes were observed in sap composition according to flow periods.
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- Multivariate analysis illustrated the relationships that exist between compounds.
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- We report a solid base of maple sap composition for its future use as raw material.
Abstract
Maple
sap is a product of great economic value with a variable composition.
Samples of maple sap were collected at different periods of the 2007 and
2008 seasons in various locations in Quebec (Canada). The aim of the
study was to establish a typical chemical composition of maple sap by
analyzing a large number of maple sap samples. Multiple factor analysis
was also performed to help establish relationships among compounds.
Results confirm that total soluble solids and sucrose concentration were
higher near mid-season. The concentration of specific organic acids in
sap could depend on the sugarbush (malic acid) or could be influenced by
microbial activity (acetic and lactic acid). Phenolic compounds of
interest were present mainly at the beginning of the season and
decreased as the season progressed. The concentrations of the main
minerals (K, Ca and Mg) increased over the sap flow season and the
presence of calcium and magnesium seemed highly correlated. These
results will help in establishing an update of mean values and ranges
for many components of maple sap.
Keywords
- Maple sap;
- Sugars;
- Organic acids;
- Phenolic compounds;
- Minerals;
- Multivariate analysis;
- Food composition;
- Food analysis
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