Inspector507
Super Member
shade,
nice to see you again..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
nice to see you again..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Maple Syrup - We Tapped Today
- Thread starter PhilNH5
- Start date
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OP
PhilNH5
Platinum Member
Shade,
You can get syrup from any of the maples. Sugar maples have the highest content of sugar in the sap at 3%. The other maples all have less. Simply means you will need to boil more sap to get a given volume of syrup.
I have tasted our maple sap fresh from the tree and I do not think it is sweet. I guess in comparison to other things in my diet (DingDongs, cookies etc) the sap is tame.
Phil
You can get syrup from any of the maples. Sugar maples have the highest content of sugar in the sap at 3%. The other maples all have less. Simply means you will need to boil more sap to get a given volume of syrup.
I have tasted our maple sap fresh from the tree and I do not think it is sweet. I guess in comparison to other things in my diet (DingDongs, cookies etc) the sap is tame.
Phil
Youare
Platinum Member
My youngest son, now 21 boy they grow up quick, and myself set out about 50 buckets this week. We have been doing a little sugaring every year since before the kids were born so they have grown up with it.
When the youngest one was 2 the sugar house was built, just 10' X 10' and a little 2' X 3' boiling pan. I can remember the many times when all five of us were sitting around the evaporator watching the steam rise and smelling the sweet aroma mixed with a little pine wood smoke.
I think our best year was 15 gallons of syrup which did not last until next season came. Out of three boys the youngest one now gets me started each year and helps gather the necessary wood.
The times together with family doing things is son important. For the rest of their lives when ever they see a container of maple syrup they will remember the times when they made some with their dad. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Randy
When the youngest one was 2 the sugar house was built, just 10' X 10' and a little 2' X 3' boiling pan. I can remember the many times when all five of us were sitting around the evaporator watching the steam rise and smelling the sweet aroma mixed with a little pine wood smoke.
I think our best year was 15 gallons of syrup which did not last until next season came. Out of three boys the youngest one now gets me started each year and helps gather the necessary wood.
The times together with family doing things is son important. For the rest of their lives when ever they see a container of maple syrup they will remember the times when they made some with their dad. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Randy
Thanx...
I've been real busy this winter & haven't made much TBN time. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll probably be looking to you for some advice when I get to running electric through my barn... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
I've been real busy this winter & haven't made much TBN time. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I'll probably be looking to you for some advice when I get to running electric through my barn... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Inspector507
Super Member
Anytime /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Schultz
Gold Member
I believe I have norway maples all over my property, could these be tapped to make syrup too? I've tasted the sap that comes from the leaf stem and it's quite bitter.
alan40
Platinum Member
Hi Randy, I was just wondering about how much sap you could boil in a hour with a 2 x 3? Also what would be the minimum amount of buckets you would use? I'm leaning torward a barrel style evaporator that will handle up to 40 or 50 buckets. Right now I plan to stop at 35 but you never know. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Both my helpers are 6 and 21 months but I really want to get them involved with the outdoors and family fun. We've had alot of fun and are looking to many more years of the same.
Take care
Take care
Schultz
Gold Member
I found my answer, Norways produce a milky sap that isn't suitable for surgaring.
I also found what seems to be a pretty comprehensive maple syrup manual called North American Syrup Producers manual.
Heres the link
North American Syrup Producers Manual
I also found what seems to be a pretty comprehensive maple syrup manual called North American Syrup Producers manual.
Heres the link
North American Syrup Producers Manual
OP
PhilNH5
Platinum Member
Schultz,
Thanks for the link. I will bookmark it when I get home. As helpful as the net can be I especially like the direct input of others.
Youare and Sugarmaker are particulary knowledgable on sugarin' and both are willing to lend advice. 'cept I havent seen sugarmaker around lately.
Phil
Thanks for the link. I will bookmark it when I get home. As helpful as the net can be I especially like the direct input of others.
Youare and Sugarmaker are particulary knowledgable on sugarin' and both are willing to lend advice. 'cept I havent seen sugarmaker around lately.
Phil
sugarmaker
Bronze Member
Hi John,
Check out Virginia Tech's dendrology site to identify your maple. Sugar/Black maples are the highest in sugar, but I've tapped red and silver maples and they make a good syrup, albeit with more boiling because the sugar content is lower.
I have a hard time tasting any sweet flavor in sugar maple sap. The kiddie tour groups I get all swear it's sweet and will kneel at the the tree with lips wrapped around a tap if given the chance.
Check out Virginia Tech's dendrology site to identify your maple. Sugar/Black maples are the highest in sugar, but I've tapped red and silver maples and they make a good syrup, albeit with more boiling because the sugar content is lower.
I have a hard time tasting any sweet flavor in sugar maple sap. The kiddie tour groups I get all swear it's sweet and will kneel at the the tree with lips wrapped around a tap if given the chance.
