Concord, Mass.-based Drinkmaple launched maple., an all-natural, plant-based water sourced from North American maple trees. The new water now is available in 8.45-ounce cartons at retail throughout the greater Boston area as well as online at www.drinkmaple.com.

Kate Weiler and Jeff Rose, the creators of the brand who also are avid athletes and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts, were first introduced to maple water during a full-distance Ironman triathlon in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. Because they enjoyed the beverage so much, Weiler and Rose decided to produce the hydrating, low-calorie, and low-sugar beverage for the U.S. market, the company says.

“Once we tasted maple water and experienced the benefits for ourselves, we were hooked,” said maple. Co-Founder Kate Weiler in a statement. “As a nutritionist and certified holistic health counselor, I’m always looking for new ways to nourish the body, and I believe that maple water is Mother Nature’s way of providing us with natural, nutrient-rich hydration.”

Maple. is harvested by sustainably tapping into maple trees located on family-run farms. The water is then transported in sterile containers to a nearby bottling facility to undergo a non-altering pasteurization process that ensures quality and extends shelf life. Maple. contains 46 naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotics. It also contains more manganese than a cup of kale, the company says. Manganese is believed to support thyroid health, bone strength, blood sugar levels and vitamin absorption and remove free radicals from the body, it says.

Although it is relatively new to the health food market, maple water has long been regarded by Native Americans as a source of hydration that offers unprecedented benefits, according to Drinkmaple. Today, maple water is known to act as an anti-inflammatory and aid in digestive health, it says. The beverage also is naturally gluten free, dairy free, vegan and non-GMO and includes half the sugar of coconut water, it adds.

For more information about maple., visit www.drinkmaple.com.