What kind of maple syrup is used in the Master Cleanse?
Introduction
The Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade Diet, is a fasting diet that involves drinking a lemonade made with lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water for a period of 10 days or longer. The maple syrup is a key ingredient in the Master Cleanse lemonade. But what kind of maple syrup should you use for this diet? There are different grades and styles of maple syrup available, so it’s important to use the right kind to get the full benefits of the cleanse. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different maple syrup options and discuss which type is best for the Master Cleanse.
Types of Maple Syrup
There are several major categories of maple syrup to understand when considering which kind to use for the Master Cleanse:
Grades of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is divided into various grades based on color and flavor:
| Grade | Color | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A Light Amber | Light golden color | Delicate taste |
| Grade A Medium Amber | Amber color | Rich maple flavor |
| Grade A Dark Amber | Dark amber color | Robust maple flavor |
| Grade A Very Dark Amber | Very dark amber color | Strong maple flavor |
| Grade B | Dark brown color | Strong maple flavor |
The lighter grades are milder in flavor, while darker grades have a more pronounced maple taste.
Syrup Types
Maple syrup is also categorized based on the method used to produce it:
| Type | Method |
|---|---|
| Grade A Fancy | Made early in the season from light amber sap boiled down quickly |
| Grade A Dark, Robust | Comes from sap boiled down later in the season |
| Grade A Golden | Comes from the first sap processed in the season |
| Grade A Amber | Made from late season sap |
| Grade B | From sap processed at end of season, has strong flavor |
The time of season affects the flavor because sap composition changes over the course of the maple syrup harvesting period.
Syrup Flavor Intensity
Maple syrup flavor intensity is described as:
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Delicate | Mild, simple sugar maple taste |
| Rich | Initial maple taste followed by caramel, vanilla and butterscotch notes |
| Robust | Heartier maple flavor with complexity, longer finish |
| Strong | Maple is dominant flavor, lasts long after swallowing |
Lighter, delicate syrups are less sweet than the darker, robust options.
Maple Syrup for the Master Cleanse
When selecting maple syrup for the Master Cleanse lemonade, you want to choose an organic, Grade B or Grade A Dark Amber syrup with a robust flavor. Here’s why:
Reasons to Use Grade B or Grade A Dark Amber Maple Syrup
1. It has more minerals and nutrients than lighter grades. The darker syrups contain higher levels of manganese, riboflavin, zinc and magnesium. These minerals support detoxification, which is the goal of the cleanse.
2. The stronger maple flavor stands up well to the lemon juice and cayenne pepper. The Master Cleanse lemonade has bold, spicy and sour flavors. The heavier maple flavor balances these tastes better than a delicate, light syrup.
3. The rich maple taste satisfies cravings during the cleanse. When fasting for several days, it’s helpful to have the dark syrup to satisfy your desire for sweetness.
4. The darker syrup leads to better results. Research has found that grade B maple syrup may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that can enhance detoxification.
5. It provides more nourishment when fasting. The darker syrup gives you a higher concentration of nutrients like calcium, potassium, amino acids and antioxidants while cleansing.
Why Organic Maple Syrup is Recommended
1. Avoids pesticides and chemicals. Organic maple syrup comes from trees that have not been treated with chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This keeps harmful toxins out of the syrup you’ll be ingesting.
2. Higher quality standards. Organic producers adhere to stricter standards, resulting in a more natural, unprocessed product.
3. Supports sustainable agriculture. Choosing organic maple syrup promotes farming practices that are environmentally friendly.
4. Provides peace of mind. When cleansing your body, it makes sense to consume only the highest quality, purest ingredients.
What to Avoid in Maple Syrup for the Master Cleanse
There are a few things you’ll want to steer clear of when picking a maple syrup for the Master Cleanse:
| What to Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Maple-flavored corn syrup | Does not contain real maple syrup; processed ingredient |
| Artificial maple syrup | Made with artificial ingredients instead of real maple |
| Lower grades (A Golden, A Light Amber) | Less nutrients and weaker maple flavor |
| Blended syrups | Diluted with sugar, corn syrup or preservatives |
Always read the ingredient label to be sure you are purchasing real, 100% maple syrup. Avoid syrups with added ingredients.
How Much Maple Syrup to Drink Daily on the Master Cleanse
The standard Master Cleanse lemonade recipe calls for:
– 2 tablespoons organic maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 10 ounces water
This is the minimum amount of maple syrup you’d consume each day. Some people choose to drink the lemonade more frequently than the minimum 6-12 times per day. But in general, you can expect to have 12-24 tablespoons of maple syrup on a daily basis during the cleanse.
It’s important not to overdo the maple syrup. Even though you are fasting, consuming too much can spike blood sugar levels. Stick to the recommended usage to be safe.
Tips for the Best Tasting Maple Syrup Lemonade
To make the Master Cleanse lemonade more palatable:
– Use room temperature or warm water. Cold water makes the maple syrup hard to mix in.
– Add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your tastes. Start with just a pinch and work up to 1/10 teaspoon.
– Squeeze fresh lemon juice each time. Bottled lemon juice lacks flavor.
– Use purified or spring water for the best flavor. Avoid tap water with chlorine taste.
– Mix the lemonade in a blender for 30 seconds to fully incorporate the maple syrup.
– Drink through a straw placed at the back of your tongue to avoid puckering from the lemon juice.
– Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking the lemonade to remove the taste.
– Drink the lemonade slowly over 15-30 minutes to allow the spice to dissipate.
Where to Buy the Right Maple Syrup for the Master Cleanse
Your best bet for finding quality maple syrup is to visit a local health food store or purchase online. Look for these brands offering organic Grade B or Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup:
– Coombs Family Farms
– Maple Valley Co-op
– Butternut Mountain Farm
– Maple Grove Farms
Make sure the label specifically states “Grade B” or “Grade A Dark Amber”. Check that it’s organic and 100% pure maple syrup with no added ingredients.
You can expect to pay around $20-$25 for a 16 oz bottle of high quality, organic maple syrup. Be skeptical of anything priced lower than this, as it likely indicates a less healthy product. Investing in the right maple syrup is important since it’s one of the main ingredients you’ll consume on the Master Cleanse.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate maple syrup is key to the success of the Master Cleanse. Select an organic, Grade B or Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup to get the most minerals, nutrients, rich maple flavor and detoxification benefits from this cleansing diet. Taking the time to find a high quality, pure maple syrup will help make your lemonade more tolerable and support you through your fast. With the right maple syrup, you’ll be on your way to completing the Master Cleanse and reaching your health goals.