About Us - Maple Taste

Our Story

Maple Taste began in 2012 with a simple idea: to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of maple syrup production in Canada. Our founder, Elisabeth Tremblay, grew up on her family's maple farm in rural Quebec, where the tradition of maple sugaring had been passed down for five generations.

After studying agricultural sciences and cultural preservation at McGill University, Elisabeth recognized that the authentic methods and stories behind maple syrup production were at risk of being lost as industrial production methods became more prevalent. She assembled a small team of like-minded enthusiasts—culinary experts, historians, and sustainable agriculture advocates—to document traditional maple syrup practices across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.

What began as a documentation project quickly evolved into a broader mission. By 2014, we had established partnerships with over 30 family-owned maple farms and launched our website to share traditional recipes, production techniques, and the cultural stories behind Canada's most iconic agricultural product.

In 2016, we expanded our mission to include education programs, hosting workshops for both consumers and producers on sustainable harvesting methods, grading standards, and culinary applications. By 2020, we had become one of Canada's leading resources on maple culture, working with museums, cultural institutions, and agricultural organizations to preserve and promote this vital aspect of Canadian heritage.

Today, Maple Taste continues to grow, but our core values remain unchanged: celebrating authentic maple traditions, supporting small-scale producers, and sharing the unique cultural significance of maple syrup with people around the world.

Our Mission & Values

Mission Statement

At Maple Taste, our mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the authentic cultural heritage of maple syrup production in Canada through education, documentation, and community engagement.

Our Core Values

Cultural Preservation

We are committed to documenting and sharing traditional maple production methods, especially those passed down through generations of Indigenous and settler families in Canada.

Sustainability

We advocate for environmentally responsible maple harvesting practices that protect forest ecosystems and ensure the longevity of maple resources for future generations.

Education

We believe in making maple knowledge accessible to all through workshops, digital resources, and partnerships with educational institutions.

Community Support

We are dedicated to supporting small-scale, family-owned maple producers through advocacy, promotion, and market connections.

Authenticity

We value and promote authentic maple products and honest information about their production, grading, and culinary applications.

Meet Our Team

Our passionate team brings together diverse expertise in maple production, culinary arts, cultural history, and sustainable agriculture to fulfill our mission.

Elisabeth Tremblay

Founder & Executive Director

With five generations of maple farming in her family, Elisabeth brings both academic expertise in agricultural preservation and hands-on experience in maple production. She oversees Maple Taste's strategic direction and partnerships with cultural institutions.

Jean-Michel Dumont

Culinary Director

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Montreal with 15 years of experience in fine dining, Jean-Michel leads our recipe development and culinary education programs. He specializes in integrating traditional maple flavors into both contemporary and historical Canadian cuisine.

Sarah Whitedeer

Indigenous Knowledge Coordinator

A member of the Abenaki First Nation, Sarah documents and shares Indigenous maple harvesting traditions that date back centuries. She holds a Master's in Cultural Anthropology and leads our efforts to preserve traditional ecological knowledge related to maple forests.

Robert MacKenzie

Research & Quality Director

With a PhD in Food Science from the University of Guelph, Robert leads our research initiatives on maple quality standards, production optimization, and nutritional analysis. He previously worked for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and brings rigorous scientific methodology to our work.

Our Achievements & Impact

Since our founding in 2012, Maple Taste has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting Canada's maple heritage:

Heritage Documentation

We've recorded over 200 oral histories from maple producers across Canada, preserving traditional knowledge and techniques that might otherwise be lost.

Educational Outreach

Our workshops and webinars have educated over 15,000 people on maple production, quality assessment, and culinary applications, fostering a deeper appreciation for this cultural staple.

Sustainability Advocacy

Our sustainable harvesting guidelines have been adopted by more than 120 maple producers, helping to ensure forest health while maintaining productivity.

Cultural Preservation

We've partnered with 5 museums and cultural institutions to develop exhibits and educational programs that highlight the historical and cultural significance of maple syrup in Canada.

What People Say About Us

Maple Taste's workshop completely transformed how I approach maple syrup production on our family farm. Their guidance on sustainable tapping techniques has not only improved our yield but has also ensured our maple stand will remain healthy for generations to come. The wealth of historical knowledge they shared gave me a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of what we do.

Jacques Laporte

Third-generation Maple Producer
Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, Quebec

As a chef focused on authentic Canadian cuisine, I've found Maple Taste to be an invaluable resource. Their deep understanding of maple grades and flavor profiles has helped me develop signature dishes that showcase the true complexity of maple syrup beyond just a sweetener. Their culinary workshops opened my eyes to historical uses of maple that I've now incorporated into my restaurant's tasting menu.

Maria Collins

Executive Chef
Harvest Table Restaurant, Toronto

Working with Maple Taste on our museum's exhibition about Indigenous food traditions was an enlightening experience. Their team's careful research and respectful approach to documenting traditional maple harvesting methods helped us create an authentic, educational experience for our visitors. Their dedication to preserving cultural heritage while making it accessible to modern audiences sets a gold standard in the field.