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Our beautiful planet should be celebrated every day, but Earth Day especially is a day that calls us to action, to do something to help preserve and heal this beautiful planet we call home. As an agri-business, we feel a deep sense of connectedness with, and responsibility to, the land where we live, raise a family, and do business. We have a vested interest in giving back to the place that sustains us as people, and as an organization, and this is woven into the very fabric of our company. While there is still more work to be done, we are committed to constantly evolving and implementing innovative ways to help protect our planet through the way we conduct our business including. Check out this blog post to learn what sustainability initiatives we're involved with, as well as ways to get involved in Earth Day this weekend in the city and how to find Earth Day events in your area!

As Canadians, we all get excited during the early spring months as the maple trees are ready to tap and extract that beautiful sugary sap to boil down and turn into maple syrup. But did you know, there's another delicious way to consume sap?

WHAT IS MAPLE WATER?

As the name suggests, both maple syrup and maple water come from the same source: maple trees.

Maple tree water, known more commonly as "sap", is a thin, clear, liquid by-product of the natural growth process of maple trees. Maple trees draw moisture up through their roots and trunk and acts as a natural filter while also adding nutrients and a subtle sweetness to the water. This sap is stored in the tree all winter, providing the tree with hydration and nourishment that it needs for growth and rejuvenation in the Spring.

 

MAPLE WATER IS SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED

Maple tree water harvesting requires just the right temperatures. Temperatures need to be below zero at night but above zero during the day to collect maple sap. The cool spring air means the trees still have stores of energy from winter, while the thawing of the earth provides warmth for the sap to flow freely. For this reason, early Spring (during March and early April) is the ideal time to collect maple sap. 

Maple tree water harvesting practices are sustainable and eco-friendly. The maple tree harvest process, when done correctly, does not harm the maple trees and allows them to continue to produce sap throughout their natural lives, which is up to 200 years, without disrupting underground water resources (and, as a bonus, it naturally absorbs CO2 the whole time, which is a win for the environment!). 

Maple sap production also helps keep hardwood forests standing and healthy, rather than cutting them down for lumber or development.

NATURALLY SWEET & NUTRIENT RICH

Maple tree water is naturally sweet and enriched with a number of nutrients. While sap travels up and down the maple tree, it collects a variety of minerals, electrolytes and amino acids from the Earth such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc which work to boost immune health. 

SAPSUCKER'S INNOVATIVE SPARKLING MAPLE WATER

Innovative businesses have seen the opportunity to turn maple tree water into a game-changing beverage and Sapsucker is one of these businesses that has definitely changed the hydration game! Whether you use it in place of sodas or tonics in your favourite cocktail recipes or choose to sip it straight from the can, Sapsucker's sparkling maple water is not only unexpectedly refreshing, but incredibly delicious! 

Sapsucker is an organic, plant-based sparkling tree water that contains no added sugar with only 7 grams of naturally occurring sugar (this is half that of coconut water!). Sapsucker's beverages are slightly carbonated with a "subtle bubble" for easy drinking.

Sapsucker comes in a variety of flavours including: The Lemon One, The Lime One, The Original One, The Grapefruit One, and The Orange One with a new addition coming VERY soon that we can't wait to get our hands on for you to enjoy.

Sapsucker is truly locally-tapped. It is made from maple trees tapped right here in Ontario at farms, located just 40 minutes outside of Toronto.

Sapsucker passionately supports local farmers and as a result, their maple water has a lower carbon footprint than other plant-based beverages on the market. Sapsucker doesn't use underground aquifers which means that the water in your Sapsucker can originates as rain and ambient moisture in the air and soil.

Sapsucker's maple water is also gluten-free, preservative-free, sodium-free, nut-free, soy-free, GMO-free, vegan, and contains 46 naturally occurring nutrients, minerals and electrolytes that support immune health.

Try their sparkling maple water, available by the case from 100km Foods!

Being B Corp Certified is something we're extremely proud of at 100km Foods and it's worth understanding what this recognition represents, and more importantly, what it means for you as a consumer and how it can help you confidently make more conscious decisions about where you choose to spend your hard earned dollars.

Learn about the variety of delicious award-winning, Ontario cheeses from local cheese producers & their sustainable cheesemaking methods.

Introducing 100km Foods 2020 Brand Ambassadors! Some of Toronto & the GTA's top chefs, these 7 chefs are long time 100km supporters & local food champions.

Check out our first 100km Foods Farm tour of 2019 took our 100km community to Alliston Creamery, K2 Milling & Sheldon Creek Dairy.

The future of farming: regenerative agriculture. 100km Foods, iQ Kitchen & the New Farm have partnered up in support of regenerative agriculture.

New 100km Foods producer, Kolapore Springs, is a trout hatchery in Thornbury, Ontario that produces the freshest Ontario trout for your restaurant menu!

100km Foods Brand Ambassadors, Chefs Jason & Nicole Sawatsky of the Yellow Pear Kitchen discuss their culinary journey & passion for local food.

100km Foods Brand Ambassador, Chef Taylor McMeekin from The Chase shares his passion for local food, his roots & seasonal menu planning tips for chefs.