Maple Syrup

[jaydee325]

I'm in SW Michigan. Totally off normal winter so far. A buddy of mine has a hobby setup to make maple syrup and taps trees on his property.

I texted him today and asked what he was thinking as far as getting started for this year. Said he was unsure but thought he would tap a few trees and see what happened.

Anyone else doing syrup in the midwest where this strange winter is a concern?

 

[Thomas]

Last year with Covid 19 the 3 of us decide only make just enough for our use,and looks like sugar shack will be silent again this year to public.

 

[Tinhack]

I sure miss the local maple syrup I used to get in Ohio. I bought it 1/2 gallon tins. As I recall, I got change back from a 25 dollar bill. The real stuff down here is $11 a pint in some silly looking maple leaf bottle.

 

[cqaigy2]

Not meaning to start a fight, but the absolute best maple syrup i've ever had, my cousin from Michigan, got locally, and gave as presents when she came out west to visit.

 

[kenmbz]

There are certainly more knowledgeable people on this site than myself, but getting local syrup gives you a lot more options vs. store.
One is that you can get different grades and colors. I like Grade B dark, it is slightly less sweet and a bit more smoky flavored.
Local is usually thicker too, Supermarket seems to be thinner than I am used to.

 

[cqaigy2]

Yes, the syrup my cousin had was thicker. I don't believe there is any maple syrup industry out west, no Sugar Maple that i'm aware of. My dad was from U.P. and talked about helping out relatives during syrup season. I vaguely remember standing around what must have been a long pan of sap boiling. Wood fired i think. I really remember when someone would throw a little of the liquid, onto the snow and we'd run over to pick it up and stick it in our mouths. Really yummy.

 

[forgeblast]

I normally wait until the end of February. Winter will come and then all my sap would be frozen. So I just wait, I still need to rebuild my cement block evaporator, Next year hopefully the field stone sap house will be done.
Maple trader .com is an excellent resource.

 

[m1garand762]

Wait a few weeks the holes will run but your going to be lucky to get 1%sugar content. By the time the real runs start your holes will be dried up. Its not good to re tap the tree so just wait till around presidents day and your almost guaranteed to make the entire season on you holes with much better 2-3% sugar content

 

[PILOON]

Local fliers have maple syrup on sale for $4.99 (Cdn$) per 24 oz tin.
Probably last years crop but there is no expire date on syrup.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Yes, the syrup my cousin had was thicker. I don't believe there is any maple syrup industry out west, no Sugar Maple that i'm aware of. My dad was from U.P. and talked about helping out relatives during syrup season. I vaguely remember standing around what must have been a long pan of sap boiling. Wood fired i think. I really remember when someone would throw a little of the liquid, onto the snow and we'd run over to pick it up and stick it in our mouths. Really yummy.

No industry in the PNW, but small private batches from bigleaf maple or alder. Alder syrup is very tasty, but not well known.