Peter Kuitenbrouwer (MFC 2019) authors book on the history, culture and science behind maple syrup

Sessional lecturer Peter Kuitenbrouwer (MFC 2019), a registered professional forester (RPF) and graduate of the Master of Forest Conservation, is the author of Maple Syrup: A Short History of Canada’s Sweetest Obsession (Penguin Random House Canada, 2025).

From the publisher:

“The captivating story behind Canada’s beloved sweet treat

From the quiet beauty of sugar maple forests to the high-tech, high-stakes world of syrup production, this book takes you on a remarkable journey into one of Canada’s most cherished traditions. Led by Peter Kuitenbrouwer, a forester with a deep appreciation for the land, this beautifully illustrated narrative uncovers the rich Indigenous heritage of maple syrup, explores its cultural significance and reveals the complex industry that sustains it today, where vast warehouses store a product so valuable it became the target of the Great Maple Syrup Heist, one of Canada’s most infamous thefts.

Blending history, culture and science in a story that stretches from eastern Canada and into the northeastern U.S., Maple Syrup stands as a testament to the resilience, communal joy and economic intricacies that define maple syrup, and is the perfect read for anyone who loves Canada, its heritage and the irresistible taste of spring.”