Richards Maple Products features real maple in just about any product you can imagine. Here’s a sample of what’s in store

By Patricia Nugent

Move over pumpkin spice, there’s a new fall flavor of the moment.

As we ease into the cozy cocoon of “sweater weather,” the ultimate comfort flavor of maple is making its way into everything from coffee to spices, sauces, snacks and more.

But before you sit in a long line at Starbucks or Dunkin’ waiting for a maple-flavored latte, why not keep things real and head to the purest, all-natural source here in town—Richards Maple Products in Chardon.

Owner Jen Freeman says they’ve evolved since 1910 from a maple syrup provider to listening to customers’ input and introducing a bevy of more than 150 gourmet food products.

“We live up to our motto, ‘If it’s maple, we have it,’” she says. “We make most everything from scratch here on the property, with all-natural ingredients and no high fructose corn syrup. What we don’t make ourselves, we bring in from other artisanal small-batch makers in Ohio.”

What Shoppers are Craving
The award-winning goodies range from coffee to sauces, maple beef jerky, jams, seasonings, rubs, spreads and snacks.

A top selling pleasantly addictive treat is Maple Puffs, a buttery, sweet, rich crunchy snack. Jen says they’ve just introduced a new version, Maple Cinnamon Puffs, which taste heavenly.

Of the eight flavors of barbecue sauce, the number one in sales is Bootlegger BBQ, which is a sweet and savory one-two punch of maple and bourbon with a smoky kick. And maple apple is popular this fall.

“Maple Cinnamon Sugar is the perfect product for cooks to add zing to any dish, from oatmeal to soups, sweet potatoes and squash,” she says. “For busy moms on the go who still want to put homemade baked goods on the table, we sell mixes for breads and desserts that are amazing. All they do is add water or oil and an egg and the house smells wonderful with something special cooking. Moms and kids alike also love our all-natural ketchup sweetened with maple.”

Meat lovers, especially hunters, buy the protein-packed maple beef and spicy maple beef jerky.

When it comes to the designation of being the #1 top selling product at the sweet shop, it’s the four-legged customers who win the day. Jen reports that since being introduced, the maple covered dog bones have been the biggest-selling product.

To keep up with its ethos of offering locally sourced products, last year Richards Maple Products expanded to open sister company Maple Country Meats. This emporium of local, farm-raised meats (beef, pork, lamb, goat, chicken, ground beef, hot dogs and sausage), seafood, produce and groceries stocks everything you need for appetizers, sides, mains and desserts.

Holiday Gift Baskets
Whether ordering pre-made curated gift baskets, boxes or crates, or selecting the products you’d like, Jen says it’s smart to order early with the holidays coming.

“We can put together something to suit any taste, such as the grill master or sweet tooth in your life,” she says. “Corporate orders are also a big part of our business. We ship all over the world.”

No matter the maple delight that catches your fancy, Jen and her brother Matt Barham encourage people to follow their lead in keeping your shopping local.

“We’ve always been enmeshed in the community,” she says. “Supporting local schools and teams, volunteering at fundraisers and networking with other local businesses is important to us.”

Richards Maple Products is located at 545 Water Street, in Chardon. Call 440-286-4160 or visit RichardsMapleProducts.com for more information. Its sister company is Maple Country Meats, located in a warehouse at 7955 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.