By Stephen Smoot
Though most think of Vermont or the Great White Canadian North when it comes to it, an increasing number want the world to add West Virginia to that list of makers of maple.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, despite poor weather (for maple, anyway) in the winter of 2023-24, maple production increased by a shade under 10 percent to 12,000 gallons. The number of taps used increased from 69,000 to 70,000 and the yield per tap rose as well.
Now the production of the entire United States totaled 5.86 million gallons in 2024, with 3.1 million alone coming from Vermont. They also saw spikes in production, up from 2.6 million in 2023.
Clearly, the Mountain State has a ways to go to catch up with the Green Mountain State, but that deters none of the enthusiasts.
Count among those Kent Leonhardt, who just embarked on his third term as West Virginia State Commissioner of Agriculture. He said recently that “the maple industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of West Virginia agriculture.”
The West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association, along with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and a number of other organizations, established Maple Days to turn the spotlight on the production, promotion – and potential – of West Virginia maple.
This year, those days fall on Feb 15 and March 15.
One of the goals, outside of production expansion, lies in weaning West Virginians off of unhealthy corn syrup based fake maple syrups that dominate sales in grocery stores. High fructose corn syrup may be one of the least healthy sweetening products used because it does more than other types to promote type two diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, and more problems.
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has vowed to launch a crusade against the use of high fructose corn syrup.
Meanwhile maple, as well as molasses, raw honey, and brown sugar, contain important antioxidants. Maple in particular contains minerals the body requires. Among the different types of sugars, those from maple process more slowly in the blood, which serves as less of a burden on the body – especially for diabetics.
And best of all, as Leonhardt boasts, “if you haven’t tried pure West Virginia maple syrup, I urge you to do so. You’ll never go back to using maple-flavored corn syrup you find on the shelves of big-box stores.”
Maple also goes well-beyond syrup. In areas across the state that have embraced maple, a bewildering array of creative and innovative sweet and savory products are available. Mountain Cajun Getaways in Circleville even uses its in-house production as part of its retreat program for veterans returning from deployment and their families.
Hardy County so far has two establishments that will participate in Maple Days. Sweet Rose Ice Cream shop in Moorefield will offer “our soft serve maple nut ice cream (that) can be enjoyed on a cone, a shake, a sundae or with one of our brownie or cake desserts.”
Wardensville Garden Market will also take part. They will sell “made-from-scratch maple cinnamon rolls for sale, in addition to other maple syrup provisions.”
Though it has not caught on in popularity or participation as much as some neighboring counties, Hardy County could serve as a strong center of production. Lindsay Kazarick of Future Generations University, based on North Mountain near Franklin, shares that “developing a maple production base in Hardy County presents a valuable opportunity to diversify the local economy while helping farmers maximize the potential of their land.”
FGU promotes maple as part of an Appalachian agriculture entrepreneurship program. It also conducts scientific research on the safe and efficient production of walnut and sycamore syrups and other products as well.
A West Virginia farmer’s challenges, as opposed to those in the flat land states, often include having a large percentage of acreage taxed, but not productive. Kazarick explains that “Hardy County and all the Potomac Highlands counties are ideally suited for maple production, as they sit at a higher elevation and have an abundance of maple trees—key factors for a successful sugaring season.”
In other words, the maple trees that line the steep ridges that flank many farms could start joining the fields as productive and profitable parts of the property.”
Pendleton County, for example, has pushed the promotion and the production of maple products, which has emerged as part of their local tourism strategy. Going beyond simply making the product and using it for culinary and cultural events adds to local efforts already in place has brought tourists to that area who otherwise would not go there in the cold late winter months. .
That county has nearly 20 producers, restaurants, grocery and country stores, tourism-oriented businesses and more signed up to participate with many more expected to register.
Hardy County, the maple experts say, can join in on the fun and, most importantly, profit.
“By tapping into the growing demand for locally produced, all-natural sweeteners and value-added maple products, Hardy County farmers can expand their revenue streams and create unique agritourism experiences that attract visitors to the region,” says Kazarick.
Grant County also has expanded their local Maple Days offerings. For example, South Side Studios in Petersburg will host the exhibit entitled Sweet On You: The Art of Mountain Maple. A reception will take place on the evening of Feb 14, Saint Valentine’s Day, from 6 PM to 8 PM with wine and other refreshments available.
Those interested can see the exhibit at 126 Main Street in Petersburg on the second floor.
Additionally, the Twisted Pig in Petersburg “will offer maple glazed ribs in addition to our regular ribs. The maple syrup we are using is made in West Virginia.” The Hermitage Inn offers a 10 percent discount to those staying there for Maple Days weekend. Cheetah B’s, the Grove Club, and South Side Depot will also have discounts during the festival days.
