{"id":10959,"date":"2021-11-28T13:45:09","date_gmt":"2021-11-28T13:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=10959"},"modified":"2021-11-28T14:18:37","modified_gmt":"2021-11-28T14:18:37","slug":"how-to-use-maple-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-use-maple-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Use A Maple Tree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The maple tree is one of nature\u2019s true beauties, especially in the fall when the leaves display their vibrant colors. Not only is it beautiful, but its component parts have varied applications. There are over 100 varieties worldwide, in North America, Canada, across Europe, and in areas of Asia and North Africa. Usually considered a deciduous tree, some types found around North Africa, Southern Europe, and Asia are evergreens. Here we\u2019ll discover more about how to use maple trees.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Eat A Maple Tree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From the family Sapindaceae <\/em>of the genus Acer<\/em>, the maple tree has elements that can be eaten<\/a>. Most people are familiar with Maple Syrup, and let\u2019s be honest, pancakes just wouldn\u2019t be the same without it! But there are other elements of a maple tree that you can eat too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maple Seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The taste of maple seeds varies from tree to tree, some have a maple flavor to them. <\/strong>If you\u2019re gathering the seeds, which look like the wings of a helicopter, collect them while they are still young, so you get the best sweet taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Late spring and early summer are the perfect time for harvesting the seeds, as this is when they will be at their ripest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peel off the outer \u201chelicopter\u201d<\/em> layer, and inside, you\u2019ll find a tiny round seed that resembles a pea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are various ways in which you can use maple seeds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boiled<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First, shell the seeds and place them in a heavy-based cooking pot. Add enough water to cover them and bring to a boil. Keep a low rolling boil or simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Strain the boiled seeds and allow them to cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roasted<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take your shelled seeds and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven of 380\u00b0F for approximately 10 minutes. Do not allow the seeds to blacken and burn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the seeds have developed a slightly nutty brown color, they\u2019ll be done. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also roast the seeds in a non-stick pan. Shell them and toss them in a pan on medium heat. Cook until they begin to turn a golden color and have a nutty aroma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raw<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To eat the seeds raw, the pod should be full and green. If it has turned brown and started to shrivel, then you\u2019ll find it has a bitter taste. When you\u2019re out gathering, look for seeds with their stalk attached, they will be younger and make the best eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soak the pods for about an hour to make shelling the seeds that much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A little seasoning enhances the flavor. Traditionally salt and pepper are used. However, it\u2019s totally up to you, and you can add whatever takes your fancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spice them up with a light sprinkling of cayenne pepper or perhaps a dash of cinnamon? Whatever seasoning you choose, be sparing, as you don\u2019t want to smother them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flour<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The seeds can also be ground up to make flour. This is high in protein and carbohydrates and can be used in sauces. Or to make tasty flatbread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Eat Maple Leaves?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Maple leaves are edible. They\u2019re best when eaten young, as they have a sweeter taste and are a little less chewy than when more mature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After harvesting, leaves can be preserved for use at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best leaves for consumption and preservation come from the Sugar Maple, Red Maple, or Silver Maple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Store Maple Leaves<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
  1. Harvest a decent quantity of leaves directly from the tree during spring and early summer – May, June, and July. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    1. Ensure it hasn\u2019t rained for a couple of days, and pick the leaves in the middle of the day when any dew has evaporated.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      1. Air-dry the leaves for 24hrs on a large clean towel (or spare, clean bedsheet).<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        1. Cover the bottom of a large plastic storage container with a layer of salt and then place a single layer of leaves on the salt.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          1. Next, sprinkle a fine layer of salt and repeat the process as though creating a lasagne.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            1. Continue until you have all of your leaves stored. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              1. Replace the lid and store it in a cool dark place for up to 10 months.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Cooking With Maple Leaves<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

                It\u2019s OK to pick the leaves straight from the tree and eat them raw. Or, if you prefer, you can steam or deep fry them in a light batter.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Maple leaves cooked in this way are not only a tradition, but they are also completely delicious! This is how to deep fry them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                1. If you\u2019re using preserved maple leaves, brush off as much of the salt as possible.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  1. Make up your favorite batter, but keep it on the slightly thinner side.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                    1. Heat 2 to 3 inches of sunflower oil in a pan, test the temperature with a little batter, and ensure it rises to the surface, then turns golden within 10 seconds. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      1. Once the oil is at cooking temperature, dip your leaves into the batter. Using a pair of tongs, carefully place them into the hot oil and fry on either side for 15-20 seconds.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                        1. Serve hot with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of Maple Syrup.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Are Maple Tree Flowers Edible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          As with the seeds and leaves, the flowers of the maple tree are also edible. They are best harvested when budding in spring. The base of the flower cluster should be fully open. They can be stored for 48hrs in a glass container in the refrigerator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          As with maple leaves, you can fry them in a light batter or separate them from the stem and sprinkle into things like a pancake batter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Maple tree flowers can also be used to enhance salads or even be used as a garnish for soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Something you may not have considered is pickling the flowers. To do this, you will need to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n