Tag: Imitation maple syrup

In 2005, a mysterious maple syrup smell wafted over Manhattan, which was eventually traced to a factory in New Jersey processing fenugreek seeds. The reason why fenugreek tastes like maple syrup is due to a powerful aromatic compound found in its seeds called sotolon. This shared chemical is the key to their flavor similarity, though their culinary applications differ vastly.

In 2005, residents of New York City were baffled by a persistent, sweet maple syrup smell that was eventually traced to a New Jersey factory processing fenugreek seeds. This incident perfectly illustrates the surprising link between the bitter, clover-like herb and the iconic breakfast syrup, begging the question: what is the maple flavor in fenugreek?.