Maple Musings

November 2, 2026

Sometimes the magic happens. This year, in northern Vermont, the leaves achieved a cacophony of color that surpassed all expectations. The mighty maples led it all, their colors defining how we define the season. 

The intensity of it startled us, as in when you are driving down a random gravel road and all of a sudden you are forced to stop and pull over and get out of the car because it is almost unbelievable, that reddest red against the bluest sky. There was orange too, spectacular orange, and gold and yellow. All the riot of colors.

Now, as October passes into November, Deep Mountain Maple is reaching the last phase of autumn, and the leaves here have turned to the color of maple syrup. It’s astounding. Everywhere I look, the leaves are Amber, Dark, a few still Golden, even Very Dark. I don’t think I have ever seen such a beautiful palette of browns. I see the colors of the forest and it’s maple everywhere.

And then I think of all the warm and comforting foods we turn to in autumn. It makes sense, doesn’t it? This is maple’s season to shine. The deep caramel flavor of maple brings delicious richness to so many of the foods we enjoy this time of year. Winter squash, roasted salmon, or pork or turkey, cranberry relishes, fabulous cocktails…. and of course the pies and puddings and cakes and cookies… The list is endless.

Enjoy the season.