The kind of tree known for producing syrup is the sugar maple. The sap of the sugar maple tree is harvested in the spring when the temperature fluctuates above and below freezing. This sap is then boiled down to produce maple syrup, a sweet and popular condiment used in various culinary applications, such as pancakes and waffles. Sugar maples can be identified by their distinctive, lobed leaves and their brilliant autumn foliage. The process of making maple syrup is celebrated in many regions, particularly in North America, where it is an important cultural and economic activity.