All About Vermont Maple Syrup
How Much Sap does it Really Take?
I cringe a little when someone states matter-of-factly that it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. The answer to that question really depends on the sugar content of the sap which is highly variable.
Natural Vacuum to Boost Maple Syrup Production
Natural vacuum describes the process of using gravity to create a vacuum at each tap hole in the maple trees. The weight of the maple sap in the tubing is ‘naturally’ pulled down by gravity which creates a vacuum in the top of the tubing system where the trees are.
Very Dark Maple Syrup
Sipping a flight of maple syrup samples doesn't do the Very Dark & Strong syrup any favors. But when used as a baking ingredient, the stronger maple flavors are often preferred. The overlooked Very Dark & Strong maple syrup certainly has its place in every kitchen. Try some the next time you are baking!
Tapping Maple Trees
Here are some reasons why you should only put one tap per maple tree and not bother tapping the smallest maple trees. It may seem counterintuitive, but this will increase per tap yield and is kinder to the trees.
What is Fancy Maple Syrup?
Prior to 2014, Golden & Delicate maple syrup was officially known as Vermont Fancy maple syrup. With a light transmittance of at least 75%, Gol...
Sweetening the Pan
Maple syrup farmers, or sugarmakers, use the term “sweetening the pan”. A gradient of sugar created in the evaporator is established during the first boil of each season.
How to Store Maple Syrup – and save it when it goes bad
To store maple syrup properly, refrigerate or freeze it after opening. To maintain the color and flavor of your maple syrup, always store it in glass containers, never plastic.
Vermont Maple Syrup Grades
What are the Four Grades of Maple Syrup?
Vermont maple syrup grades are based on color and flavor. The sugar content is always the same in the fini...
Why Use Glass Bottles?
Maple syrup used to be sold in metal cans. These days, most maple syrup is sold in plastic jugs. Some producers use glass bottles. Which one is the best? We think glass is the clear winner.
Reverse Osmosis and the Maple Syrup Industry
Curious George learned the lesson the hard way: when the maple sap comes out of the tree, it tastes pretty much like water. It takes 40 or more gal...
Liquid Gold?! How much do maple farmers really get paid?
There are three types of markets for maple syrup: BULK, WHOLESALE and RETAIL. Each market has its pros and cons in the dance between resource input and profit output; however, market consolidation is pushing out the small farms.
What is "Wood-Fired" Maple Syrup?
Did you know that most maple syrup is made with evaporators that burn fossil fuels? Not our syrup! All syrup sold through Maple Farmers is wood-fired.
Meet Maple
We're excited to start sharing. Learn about small maple farmers and how they make real maple syrup. Get some delicious maple recipes to try. Read some entertaining stories of life on a maple farm. Look for posts coming soon!
We just had to start with a picture of our new puppy - Maple. She's pretty sweet.