I have seen this table of maple syrup at the Lakes Regional Park weekly Farmers Market for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until recently that a friend told me the back story of this little tent. So, I took a closer look. I discovered that this Fort Myers Farmers Market syrup is for more than French Toast. Much more. It is this week’s Fabulous Find. It is possible you’ve seen the syrup from Ackermann Maple Farms at markets in Naples, Cape Coral, Sanibel, even in Lakeland. The young family has a home in Arcadia as well as Cabot, Vermont and they love Florida.
Vermont is where the syrup comes from. About 11 years ago they began with a small farm that has quadrupled in size. Over that time, the things they are doing with maple syrup have also blossomed and it is delicious. Besides your standard syrup, the Ackermann’s actually age some of it in old bourbon and rum barrels. This syrup is great in cocktails like Manhattans. Now you see why it’s not just for French Toast.
There are all kinds of flavor infusions. One is for coffee lovers. You can see the espresso beans in the neck of the syrup. Espresso Martini anyone? These aren’t just fun for cocktail making. In addition, try adding the the maple cream to bacon as it is cooking for a sweet and savory treat. I wanted to just rub that cream on my body it was so good. My friend mixed some with peanut butter and put it on apples for a snack. Finally, there is a Maple Sugar. Use this on toast, sprinkle on ice cream, and lots more.
The Ackermann’s are committed to sustainability in their farming and production practices and have won all kinds of accolades. Stop by their booth and taste the syrups, creams and sprinkle. You might not look at maple syrup the same again.
Here are some Farmers Market syrup photos. Enjoy.
