What is Mountain Maple, Extract Solid?
Mountain maple extract solid (CAS Number: 977089-65-8) is a concentrated flavoring ingredient derived from the mountain maple tree (Acer spicatum Lam.), also known as dwarf maple or low maple. This species is native to eastern North America and produces distinctive flavor compounds characteristic of the Acer genus. The extract is processed into a solid form, making it convenient for use in food manufacturing and formulation.
Mountain maple belongs to the same plant family as sugar maple (Acer saccharum), though it is smaller and less commonly commercialized. The extract captures volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds from the plant material, which may include phenolic compounds, alcohols, and aldehydes typical of maple species.
Common Uses
Mountain maple extract solid is used as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications where maple flavor enhancement is desired. Potential applications include:
- Confectionery products and candies
- Baked goods and pastries
- Beverages and syrups
- Dairy products such as yogurt and ice cream
- Breakfast cereals
- Savory sauces and condiments
The extract functions as an adjuvant, meaning it can work alongside other flavoring ingredients to create more complex or authentic maple taste profiles. Its solid form allows for easier handling and standardized dosing compared to liquid extracts.
Safety Assessment
Mountain maple extract solid has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, indicating that the FDA has not formally determined that this specific ingredient meets GRAS criteria through either expert consensus or substantial scientific evidence.
However, the safety profile appears promising based on available data:
- **No adverse events reported**: The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this ingredient, suggesting no documented cases of consumer harm have been officially reported.
- **No recalls**: No FDA recalls involving this additive have been issued, indicating no documented safety issues significant enough to warrant market removal.
- **Plant source**: As an extract from a plant species in the Acer genus, it derives from a source with a long history of use in food (maple syrup and maple products).
The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate the ingredient is unsafe; rather, it may reflect limited formal submission data to the FDA or insufficient published scientific studies specifically evaluating this extract. Companies using this ingredient must comply with FDA regulations as a food additive or color additive and may be required to submit safety data if questioned by regulators.
Regulatory Status
Mountain maple extract solid is not GRAS-listed in the United States. This means it cannot be used in food products under the GRAS exemption and must be used in compliance with other FDA food additive regulations, or the manufacturer must have a food additive petition approved by the FDA.
The ingredient's regulatory status varies by region:
- In the **United States**, it falls under food additive regulations requiring either GRAS status, an approved additive petition, or use as a flavor ingredient under established guidelines.
- Regulatory status in **Europe** and other jurisdictions may differ and should be verified for international applications.
Manufacturers should verify that their use of this ingredient complies with applicable regulations in their target markets.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature specifically evaluates mountain maple extract solid. Most research on Acer species focuses on sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and its bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and minerals.
General research on maple products shows:
- Maple extracts contain phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties (consistent with other Acer species)
- Acer species are generally recognized as safe in traditional food uses
- No specific toxicology studies on mountain maple extract solid appear in major scientific databases
The gap in published safety data for this specific ingredient may explain its non-GRAS status. Interested stakeholders or manufacturers should consider supporting or conducting stability, toxicology, and compositional studies to establish a stronger safety and regulatory foundation.