<P> Imitation syrups are generally cheaper than maple syrup, with less natural flavour . In the United States, consumers generally prefer imitation syrups, likely because of the significantly lower cost and sweeter flavour; they typically cost about $8 per gallon (1 US gallon (3,800 ml)), whereas authentic maple syrup costs $40 to $60 per gallon (2015 prices). </P> <P> In 2016, maple syrup producers from nine US states petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate labeling of products containing maple syrup or using the word "maple" in manufactured products, indicating that imitation maple products contained insignificant amounts of natural maple syrup . In September 2016, the FDA published a consumer advisory to carefully inspect the ingredient list of products labeled as "maple". </P> <P> Maple products are considered emblematic of Canada, in particular Quebec, and are frequently sold in tourist shops and airports as souvenirs from Canada . The sugar maple's leaf has come to symbolize Canada, and is depicted on the country's flag . Several US states, including New York, Vermont and Wisconsin, have the sugar maple as their state tree . A scene of sap collection is depicted on the Vermont state quarter, issued in 2001 . </P> <P> Maple syrup and maple sugar were used during the American Civil War and by abolitionists in the years before the war because most cane sugar and molasses were produced by Southern slaves . Because of food rationing during the Second World War, people in the northeastern United States were encouraged to stretch their sugar rations by sweetening foods with maple syrup and maple sugar, and recipe books were printed to help housewives employ this alternative source . </P>

Is canada the only country with maple trees