Presentation Abstract
Presentation Abstract
Student's Name: John Viens '27
Co-registrant Names:
Type of Presentation: Poster
Presentation Title: "A New England Delicacy: Did Native Americans of New England teach European Settlers how to make Maple Syrup?"
Abstract:
Maple trees (Acer saccharum) produce sap as a method of storing valuable energy and
nutrients in the winter seasons. When temperatures increase in spring positive pressure
pushes the sugary sap up the tree and out tap holes where it can be harvested Sap
is then boiled down to create the nectar, we call maple syrup. Maple syrup was in
high demand in New England during the 17th-19th centuries until the mass industrialization
of sugar cane farming transformed its role into more of a delicacy. But where does
this knowledge come from, and did Native Americans or European settlers discover maple
sugaring first?