Maple syrup isn’t the only tasty byproduct of the New England trees. The sap that starts flowing in early spring is sometimes tapped and bottled as maple water. DRINKMaple (8.45 ounces for about $2.69) was developed by Concord residents Kate Weiler and Jeff Rose, who stumbled on maple water while racing in a triathlon on Mont-Tremblant in Quebec. They realized they could produce a tonic from trees in their backyard. DRINKMaple is a naturally sweet and refreshing water, with a hint of maple, and half the sugar of coconut water. Its popularity and versatility are spilling into juice bars, which are making smoothies with it, and bartenders are discovering it for cocktails. Available at Brothers Marketplace, 41 Center St., Weston, 781-966-3696; Cambridge Naturals, 23 White St., Cambridge, 617-492-4452; Debra’s Natural Gourmet, 98 Commonwealth Ave., Concord, 978-371-7573; Natural Food Exchange, 343 Main St., Reading, 781-944-8498, or go to www.drinkmaple.com.
Linda J. Mazurek
