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Don Matesz <[log in to unmask]>
Next Generation Nutrition. (419) 476-2967

Re. Maple Syrup.  Maple SYRUP is not edible raw; in fact there is no such
thing as raw maple SYRUP.  Maple syrup is a product obtained only by
extensive heat-processing of maple SAP.  There is a 30x reduction via
extensive cooking (i.e. processing) from the raw sap to the syrup.  MAPLE
SYRUP IS THEREFORE ALWAYS A PROCESSED FOOD.  Further, the SYRUP was not
produced by PALEO Indians, but by Neolithic Indians (corn farmers).  So
though raw maple SAP may indeed be Paleo, I don't see how anyone could
consider maple SYRUP to be Paleo.

To firm my point:   "Jaggery" is crude sugar cane juice concentrate obtained
by long boiling of sugar cane juice by primitive agriculturalists in
India...again it is a processed food...I'd not consider this paleo....the
process is the same as with converting SAP  to SYRUP.   The intervention of
extensive processing disqualifies either product from the paleo list.

Honey, in contrast, is edible raw, unprocessed, direct from the source, i.e.
the bee's hive.   It is well-known that HG people gather honey on occasion.
So I think honey is paleo, but only on rare occasions--about as frequently
as you'd like to endure tens of bee stings!

Don