Never trust them....

[alfreda89]

So, as part of my backing off on everything that may jimmy with my health, I've gone to using things like agave nectar and maple syrup in recipes to be sweeteners. Now, in the winter, Costco had maple syrup regularly. It was in the vicinity of $14.99/quart, which was the kind of price you usually find at a stand in Vermont or upper New York or Michigan. Then it vanished. I kept requesting it, and they kept telling me it was expensive and not in season, so no more until it got cold again.

That takes a while in Texas.

Well, it is expensive if you're buying from the stockpile. But New England has had a bumper crop this spring, and maple syrup is to be found at better than the $19.99/quart Whole Foods was asking for their 365 syrup. A not unreasonable price, if you know how maple syrup is made. But -- I needed to find the best price possible. So -- I go online. I compare Vermont, New York, New Hampshire and Michigan 100% grade A dark amber syrup. Ultimately, I find it packed in 1/2 gallons for convenience, at $48.00/gallon. Even with $18.00 shipping, it saves $14.00, and I can use that. Plus, supporting a family farm. Win-win.

Last Monday I ordered the syrup. Wednesday, I go to Costco to pick up something. What do I see as I walk in the warehouse door? A huge pile of 1 quart containers of 100% dark A maple syrup. $12.99/quart.

Well, of course I bought four jugs. I'm not an idiot.

But there may be maple ice cream in my future, for some distant party.

And I am supporting both a family farm AND the warehouse of my choice.

I feel like a patron. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Comments

[sheilagh.livejournal.com]

Do you like the flavor of the A grade over the B grade? Sun Harvest south seems to usually have the B grade in bulk. I forget the price/volume.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

A dark amber was the compromise -- light enough for pancakes without overwhelming the taste of the pancakes, but dark enough that in volume, I get maple flavor as well.

I like B best, but I bought the compromise.

Did not think that Sun Harvest had bulk! No one said anything when I posted earlier about it, so...Internet sale.

hrm.

[sheilagh.livejournal.com]

I think I missed that post! I'll let you know next time I see price/volume info at Sun Harvest.

[incandragon.livejournal.com]

Quite a maple adventuer, complete with farmers, distant lands, and the ultimate victory being found at home. ;-)

As long as you use it all, it's a win!

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

The sealed ones from Costco are good until 2011. Should be fine.

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

its like that with maraschino cherries too.. seasonal.

[alfreda89.livejournal.com]

How can they be seasonal? The makers bleach the little suckers, soak them in dye and sugar, and launch them!

[martianmooncrab.livejournal.com]

cherries are seasonal, and the big jars at Costco are only available after the harvest, and they are made in Oregon too!