National Syrup Day

A stack of fluffy pancakes with syrup drizzling down, topped with fresh berries, served on a cozy breakfast table.. — National syrup day illustration

Welcome to National Syrup Day, a day all about drizzling, pouring, and smothering your favorite foods with sweet, sticky goodness! This delightful holiday is celebrated annually on December 17th, and it's the perfect excuse to indulge in some syrupy treats. So grab your pancakes, waffles, or even some french toast, because it's time to dive into the sticky deliciousness of National Syrup Day!

When is Syrup Day?

It's national syrup day on the 17th December.

A Sticky History

Did you know that syrup has been a beloved condiment for centuries? Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when the Ancient Greeks and Romans discovered the wonders of sweet tree sap. They would carefully extract the sap and boil it down to create a thick, sugary syrup.

Throughout history, syrup became a staple in many cultures. In Medieval Europe, it was commonly used as a sweetener for desserts and pastries. The popularity of syrup continued to grow, and with the expansion of trade routes, different types of syrup emerged around the world.

In the 18th century, American colonists started producing maple syrup by collecting sap from maple trees and boiling it down to create a deliciously sweet syrup. This tradition has been passed down through generations, and today, maple syrup is a cherished symbol of North American cuisine.

Celebrating National Syrup Day

On National Syrup Day, people across the country come together to celebrate the wonders of syrup. Whether you prefer classic maple syrup, fruity berry syrups, or even decadent chocolate syrup, this day is all about indulging in your favorite flavors.

Many families gather around the breakfast table to enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles topped with a generous pour of syrup. It's a time to savor the sweet taste and spend quality time with loved ones.

Restaurants and cafes often join in the celebration by creating special menus featuring syrup-infused dishes. From syrup-glazed bacon to syrup-infused cocktails, the possibilities are endless on National Syrup Day!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the world's largest pancake was made in Manchester, England, on February 13th, 1994? It measured a whopping 49 feet and 3 inches in diameter and required over 2 million calories worth of ingredients. We can only imagine how much syrup it took to cover that gigantic pancake!

History behind the term 'Syrup'

6000 BCE

Ancient origins

The history of syrup dates back to around 6000 BCE, where the ancient Mesopotamians discovered that the sap from certain trees had a sweet taste. They began tapping the sap from these trees and boiling it down to create a thick, sweet syrup.

500 BCE

Early medicinal uses

In ancient Greece, syrup gained popularity for its medicinal properties. The Greek physician Hippocrates used syrups made from various plants and herbs as a way to administer medicine. These syrups were often mixed with wine or honey to make them more palatable.

11th century

The Arab influence

During the Islamic Golden Age, Arab scientists and physicians made significant advancements in the art of syrup-making. They experimented with different flavors and developed new techniques for extracting sap and reducing it to a thick consistency.

17th century

Colonial expansion

As European explorers and colonizers traveled the world, they encountered new ingredients and flavors. Syrup became popular in Europe as traders brought back exotic spices and fruits from the colonies. This led to the development of fruit syrups made from ingredients like oranges, lemons, and berries.

19th century

Maple syrup boom

In North America, the production of maple syrup became a significant industry. Native Americans had been producing maple syrup for centuries, and European settlers quickly adopted the tradition. The invention of metal taps and spiles made it easier to extract sap from maple trees, resulting in a boom in maple syrup production.

Late 19th century

Commercialization and mass production

With advancements in technology and transportation, syrup production became more efficient and widespread. Companies began mass-producing syrups, making them more accessible to the general public. This period marked the rise of pancake syrup, a sweet topping made from corn syrup, molasses, or artificial flavors.

Present day

Versatile and diverse

Today, syrup is a versatile condiment used in various cuisines around the world. From traditional maple syrup to flavored syrups like chocolate, caramel, and fruit, there is a wide range of options available. Syrup continues to evolve, with new flavors and combinations constantly being created.