{"id":19915,"date":"2026-02-27T09:55:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/?p=19915"},"modified":"2026-03-02T08:04:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T13:04:39","slug":"maple-syrup-fridge-or-pantry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/2026\/02\/27\/maple-syrup-fridge-or-pantry\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Syrup: Fridge or Pantry?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2014 Kate McCarty<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Here in Maine, one of our first signs of spring is the flow of sap from maple trees, as the days warm up to above freezing while the nighttime temperatures stay chilly. Maine Maple Weekend, which is always the fourth weekend in March, is our chance to get out to maple producers\u2019 farms, tromp down their muddy roads, and enjoy some Maine maple syrup. I always pick up a quart to last me at least until fair season when I can buy more. I like to enjoy it on pancakes and as a sweetener in my homemade granola<\/a> and baked goods.<\/p>\n

Maple Syrup Storage Recommendations<\/h3>\n

Since I\u2019m not from Maine, I still remember how I learned the hard way that maple syrup needs to be refrigerated after opening to keep it from going bad. I grew up eating \u201cpancake syrup,\u201d or flavored corn syrup that\u2019s less expensive than maple syrup. So I had no idea that maple syrup couldn’t be stored in the pantry once it has been opened without the risk of mold developing. As a result, I had a gross experience where I poured some maple syrup out onto my food and a big mat of mold flopped out too. Shudder.<\/p>\n

Now I faithfully keep my maple syrup in the fridge after I open it\u2014after all, it\u2019s not cheap, and I don\u2019t want to run the risk of mold developing in my precious liquid gold. You may have heard that if your maple syrup grows mold, it\u2019s okay to remove the mold and boil the remaining syrup to make it safe again. My food safety and maple colleagues actually researched this practice and found that there are still mycotoxins (aka toxins from mold) that can survive the boiling process. Consuming mycotoxins can make you sick in the short term and even have long-term health consequences. So, should you discover mold growing on your maple syrup, unfortunately, we recommend discarding the syrup.<\/p>\n

A downside of keeping the syrup in the fridge is, of course, that it\u2019s cold. When it comes time to use my syrup on pancakes or waffles, I simply heat up what I plan to use on the stovetop to take the refrigerator\u2019s chill off.<\/p>\n

Visit a Farm for Maine Maple Weekend<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking to participate in Maine Maple Weekend<\/a> (March 21-22, 2026) The Maine Maple Producers Association has a map<\/a> where you can find your nearest maple producer welcoming visitors to the farm. While true spring is still a ways off here in Maine, it\u2019s nice to have this sweet taste of warmer weather to let us know that we\u2019ve almost made it through another winter.<\/p>\n

Resources<\/h3>\n