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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
