As the season shifts and the warmth of autumn settles over Inverloch, The Equinox Festival invites us to embrace, wellbeing, nature and harvest. On Saturday, March 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the heart of the festival, the Glade Gala, will come alive with music, entertainment, and community spirit. Amidst the festivities, Those Little Poffertjes will be there, bringing the comforting taste of our signature Dutch pancakes to this magical evening, inviting you to experience the rich tradition and wonder of real maple syrup.
A Festival Honouring Wellbeing, Harvest and Nature
The Equinox Festival’s Glade Gala will set the stage for an unforgettable evening, featuring the mesmerizing didgeridoo rhythms of Ganga Giri, the soulful sounds of Ozone Street, and the high-energy performances of the Hot Tub Cover Band. Fire twirlers will illuminate the night, adding to the festival’s magic and vibrancy.
This year, we have been invited to reflect on the cycles of nature and the bounty of the harvest season and our wellbing. As we serve our warm, fluffy poffertjes topped with our amazing Dark A Grade Organic maple syrup, homemade strawberry coulis, or a generous drizzle of Nutella, we invite festivalgoers to indulge in a treat that embodies the essence of this celebration.
Bringing the Theme to Life with Decor and Celebration
At Those Little Poffertjes, we love embracing the theme of every festival we attend, and The Equinox Festival is no exception! This year, our decorations will be dedicated to the rich tradition and natural goodness of maple syrup. With warm autumn tones, and subtle nods to the golden elixir itself, our setup will be a true tribute to one of nature’s sweetest gifts. Without giving too much away, expect to step into a space that highlights maple’s journey from tree to table—an immersive experience that goes far beyond just a topping.
Celebrating the Benefits of Maple
Celebrating Autumn Down Under, and Maple Season Up North
Here in Australia, we’re celebrating autumn—the season of brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows in the leaves, the perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the maple tree with the leaves changing. However, it's important to remember that while we’re enjoying autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, it is actually spring in Canada, where maple syrup originated. March is the month when the sap starts to flow freely from the trees, and sugarmakers are working hard to harvest it. The maple season only lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. It is interesting to note that maple trees cannot be harvested until they are 40 years old and then provide sap for 100 years.
The sap that runs from the maple trees in early spring is rich in sugar, which is essential for making maple syrup. However, as soon as the buds start to open, the sap becomes too diluted and no longer has the right sugar concentration to make high-quality syrup. This makes the early spring months a race against time for Sugarmakers in Canada, as they must extract the sap before the trees begin to bud and the sap becomes unsuitable for syrup production.
Sugarmaker Maple Facts
The person who harvests and evaporates maple sap into syrup is called a Sugarmaker. Native Americans were the first Sugarmakers, teaching the European settlers all about the process in the 16th and 17th centuries. Over the years, Sugarmakers have embraced new technology and methods, striving to improve the care of their trees and the quality of their syrup.
Sugarmakers spend much of the year walking their sugarwoods, checking for signs of disease or any other health issues. In the months before the sap flows, they’re busy clearing fallen branches from pipelines and repairing damage caused by wind or animals. When the sap starts running, it’s all hands on deck. Sugarmakers often work through the night, especially during long sap runs, to evaporate maple syrup—sometimes for days without a break. After the maple season concludes, the hard work isn’t over. Sugarmakers spend countless hours cleaning all their equipment so it’s ready for the next season.
The Magic of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a marvel of nature and craftsmanship. It takes around 20 litres of sap to produce just one litre of syrup, with a single maple tree yielding up to 12 litres of sap per day. Quebec leads the world in production, responsible for over 70% of the global supply. But what truly sets maple apart is its complexity—Agriculture Canada has identified 91 unique flavor notes, from buttery and floral to deep, caramelized richness. It’s not just sugar; it’s an evolving taste experience shaped by the land and the season.
Maple Syrup Grading
Maple syrup is graded according to its color and flavor. There are two main grades: Golden (with a mild flavor) and Amber (with a richer flavor). These grades correspond to the time of harvest, with Golden syrup being collected early in the season and Amber syrup collected later. There’s also Grade A Dark, which has a stronger, more robust flavor perfect for cooking or drizzling over Poffertjes. It’s important to note that while all maple syrup is a natural product, the darker grades generally contain more antioxidants and have a deeper flavour profile, and that's the one we serve on our Poffertjes..
Nutritional Benefits of Maple Syrup
Beyond its incredible flavour, maple syrup is packed with nutrients. Maple syrup is not only rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but also provides essential minerals that benefit overall health. These minerals contribute to bone health, energy production, and heart health, making maple syrup a valuable addition to your diet.
Research published in Pharmaceutical Biology has found that it contains up to 24 different antioxidants, on par with bananas and broccoli. A single 60 ml (1/4 cup) serving delivers 72% of the daily recommended intake of manganese, 27% of riboflavin, 17% of copper, and 6% of calcium—making it far more than just a sweet indulgence.
Those antioxidants are beneficial for reducing free radical damage, and its lower glycemic index means it doesn’t cause the same blood sugar spikes as refined sugars. Plus, maple syrup is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help in the prevention of diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and more.
Another important fact is that maple syrup has only 50 calories per tablespoon, that's one of the lowest calorie level for a sweetener and it is fat-free. Unlike many other syrups and sweeteners, it has no additives, no added colouring, and no preservatives.
More Than Just a Topping
Over the years of serving our authentic maple syrup, we’ve heard all kinds of reasons why parents hesitate to let their children enjoy it. Some worry about sugar, others about sticky fingers. But in avoiding it, they may be missing out on maple’s natural benefits. Unlike refined sugars, pure maple syrup brings minerals, antioxidants, and depth of flavour that make it a truly special ingredient. Sticky hands can be washed, but the richness of real maple syrup is something to be experienced.
As you explore the festival, let the unmistakable aroma of our Poffertjes drizzled in premium maple syrup guide you to our stall. Whether you prefer it paired with our homemade strawberry coulis or enjoyed in its purest form, every bite is a celebration of nature’s sweetness.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Those Little Poffertjes, we believe food should nourish both body and soul. That’s why we use only the best ingredients starting with our amazing A Grade Dark Organic maple, free-range eggs, vanilla extract. By purchasing from Honest To Goodness, we can trust our supplier's integrity in providing certified organic, quality products.
As you enjoy the festival’s celebrations, our Poffertjes will provide the perfect sweet moment to warm your heart and satisfy your senses. What better way to celebrate wellbeing, harvest and nature than by indulging in nature’s sweetest gift?
Plan Your Weekend Escape
With market stalls, food vendors, and activities, The Equinox Festival is the perfect reason to escape to the beautiful coastal town of Inverloch. Whether you’re dancing to live music, exploring the vibrant stalls, or indulging in delicious festival fare, this event offers something for everyone.
So mark your calendar for March 22nd, and join us at The Equinox Festival 2025 for an evening of connection, joy, and the best Poffertjes in town. We can’t wait to see you there!
References:
Mainemapleproducers.com. "Nutrition: The 9 Health Benefits of Maple Syrup." https://mainemapleproducers.com/nutrition-the-9-health-benefits-of-maple-syrup/
Cbmaplefarm.com. "Maple Syrup Facts." https://www.cbmaplefarm.com/blogs/news/maple-syrup-facts
https://www.cbmaplefarm.com/blogs/news/maple-syrup-facts
Kommentare