My neighbor gave me this amazingly thought provoking, rectangular, antique, rusted-metal gallon-sized can, which I currently display on my bookshelf. It has no date, no brand, no location details (other than Vermont) and—besides the name and logo for the Vermont Maple Syrup Maker's Association—no other words besides these:
VERMONT
PURE
MAPLE SYRUP
Sealed in Accordance with Vermont Law
NATURAL MAPLE COLOR and FLAVOR
Nothing Added — Nothing Deducted
The maple syrup in this can was carefully
packed to retain the original flavor under
all ordinary storage conditions.
After seal is broken, and part of the con-
tents removed, refrigeration of the remainder
in the original can is recommended.
If a quantity left in a once opened can will
not be used for a month or more, this re-
mainder will be best preserved by repacking
in small jars and heating to a near-boiling
point in a water bath.
Mold found on stored syrup is harmless. Heat-
ing in a saucepan and skimming will restore
the syrup to a usable condition.
I love the wording.
Vermont. The state, which has never had a building code to guide those constructing single-family residential structures towards a safety standard, allegedly* had a law governing how maple syrup should be sealed. I don't know how long ago, but my best guess is this can is pre-1950s (there is a crudely drawn image of men pouring sap from maple trees into a large container on a sled, being drawn by a horse thru the forest).
Today's "Refrigerate after opening" originated from within a 20-word sentence 70+ years ago.
Today's "Best by" originated from the most convoluted 40-word sentence. Which actually only advised not using the metal can more than a month, because the last paragraph states it never goes bad. Not ever.
The last paragraph is the piece de resistance. It's statements like this which probably prompted the creation of the 1966 Labeling Act.
*Allegedly because, to print false statements on containers was common practice a century ago.
- Select an item from your environment.
- Provide a picture, sketch, or other form of visual presentation.
- Tell its backstory (explain what it is, why you selected it, etcetera).
Some more very unique Vermont-isms:
Good Day to Be a Crow
Before Driving Your Smart Car to Vermont
The Lazy Witch Coffin Windows of Vermont
Before Looking for an Apartment in Vermont
Whatz The Story Behind That Series (ongoing)
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