April 04, 2005

Got pancakes? 56 gallons of syrup ready to go

MapleSyrupSaleCanScene0305.JPGLast Wednesday, Dad finished boiling in the sap that Karen, Steve, our nephew, Jason, and I had gathered. Dad and Ben boiled yesterday until the canning unit was full (it holds 15 gallons) and then they shut down the rig. We gathered almost 5 tubs of sap, and when they shut down, Dad probably had 200-250 gallons of sap left to boil in.

The canning unit is a stainless steel box with a spigot and thermometer built in. The box sits on a frame with a propane burner to use to keep the syrup at the proper temperature for canning, 185 degrees or higher. A moveable shelf on the front legs of the stand can be adjusted depending on what size can you are filling. We can gallons, half gallons, quarts, pints, and sometimes half pints. Today Dad put the 11 gallons he had just made into 44 quart cans. That brings the season's total to 56 gallons of syrup so far. It sounds like we may get a good freeze, and if it "comes off" right tomorrow we will have another good run.

MapleSyrupCansAwait0305.JPG

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

Got a question about maple sugaring? Drop Jonathan a line here, using the comment box below. He'll be sure to answer, when he's not out gathering sap or taking care of the cows.


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Posted by Blogger Chris at April 4, 2005 09:48 AM
Comments

Yes, can your friends at e-mail buy yuour maple syrup? I wold love some. Emily from Palm Desert.

Posted by: Emily Bonette at April 14, 2005 06:35 PM

Is there a way that we can turn maple syrup into that creamy maple spread at home? Thanks and love your newsletter. Emilie P.

Posted by: Emilie at April 4, 2005 04:15 PM

Where do you sell your maple syrup? I used to buy it from a business colleague whose family lives in Vermont but he is retired now. I would love to find a place to buy the real thing again. The syrup you buy in the average grocery store just does not compare. By the way, I love your newletter.

Posted by: Cindy Gibson at April 4, 2005 04:07 PM