Maple sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of sugar maple trees. The sap is collected in early spring and then boiled down to remove water, resulting in a concentrated sugar product. This process can take several hours, and the final product has a rich, caramel-like flavor. Maple sugar is often used as a substitute for regular sugar in recipes, adding a unique taste to baked goods and other dishes. It is also popular in North American cuisine, especially in New England and Canada, where it is a traditional ingredient in many foods.