Maple Syrup
Spring, 2010
So, last year was our first attempt at producing maple syrup and with one bucket on a single tree we managed to make about 1L of the good stuff. [see last year's pages] Encouraged by our success, we decided we'd try to expand production this year. Armed with the book "Backyard Sugarin'" we got some great ideas on how to improve our boiling rig and technique. A stainless steel pan with a welded on spout for easy pouring of the sap. Rubby's parents chipped in and got him some taps at a local auction as well as a dozen buckets and lids from a supplier in Lanark. And a wool blanket that we were able to use as a filter. Our biggest concern in the end was storage of the sap, but we found our camping water containers in the basement and when we were in a pinch, Marianne came through with a couple of extra plastic food buckets that she had for her blueberry farming.
The weather was a bit odd this spring. First we got an incredibly early start and then the temperatures soared so quickly we thought the season was done for. Then we had another cold snap which allowed us to have a second round. The short season also meant that we didn't have time to plan a big maple party like we'd hoped. However it did present an excellent opportunity to incorporate a sugar bush activity into Samantha's birthday party and the kids had fun helping us collect sap and to watch Rubby tap a tree. For those who didn't get out to see us this year, don't worry, we'll definitely be doing it again next year!
see the photos:
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