by Monica Reinagel

Q. I stored my real maple syrup in the cabinet to save space and when I went to use it I noticed it the top was covered in this substance that looked like cocoa powder. Is this mold? I keep honey in the cabinet and it usually just forms crystals so this doesn't make sense to me.

A. Yup, that's probably mold.  Unlike honey, which contains natural antimicrobials, real maple syrup has to be kept in the fridge once it's been opened. However, you don't necessarily have to throw the syrup away.  Unlike molds that grow on bread, cheese, and fruit, the type of mold that thrives on maple syrup is not toxic.  If your syrup has hatched a colony, carefully skim any visible mold off the surface with a spoon. Heat the remaining syrup to boiling. After cooling, store promptly in the fridge!