Walnut syrup: How an Ontario couple is tapping into a different sweet treat

Leslie and Bob Meloche, owners of The Walnut Grove B&B in Essex County, Ontario, have been working diligently over the past five years to perfect a unique delicacy for their guests: black walnut tree syrup. This sweet specialty, similar to maple syrup but with a different flavor profile, has become a signature offering at their bed and breakfast.

The process of creating walnut syrup is much more labor-intensive compared to maple syrup. The Meloches tap seven times the number of walnut trees to collect the same amount of sap that maple trees produce. It takes about 90 liters of walnut sap to yield just one liter of syrup, while only 40 liters of maple sap are needed for the same result. Despite the extra work involved, the Meloches find it all worth it.

The couple’s sugar shack, located at the back of their property near Harrow, is where the magic happens. The evaporator is busy boiling the walnut sap, processing what may be the final batch of the season. The couple also taps their maple trees, but they have fewer of them on their property. The walnut syrup is described as having a sweet taste similar to maple syrup but with a more “sponge toffee-like” flavor.

Leslie and Bob take pride in their walnut syrup, which they primarily use as a special offering for their B&B guests. While a bottle of maple syrup is priced at $15, the same amount of walnut syrup fetches $45 due to the extra effort required in its production. Instead of relying on bottle sales, the Meloches incorporate the walnut syrup into their desserts, such as drizzling it over ice cream.

As the season winds down and the buckets hanging from the maple and walnut trees are emptied, the Meloches reflect on their work. They acknowledge the trees for providing them with their lifeblood for enjoyment and express gratitude for the process. Despite the romanticized notion of working in the woods, Leslie emphasizes that there is nothing glamorous about the hard work involved in producing the syrup.

The couple’s dedication to perfecting their walnut syrup year after year is evident in the quality of their product. While the process may be labor-intensive, the Meloches take pride in offering their guests a unique and delicious treat that sets their bed and breakfast apart.