The Cycle Begins Again
The weather seemed perfect on Sunday afternoon, so we decided it was time to tap our maple trees. Out came all the supplies, the spiles and jars were scrubbed, the extension cords were brought out and the first tree was tapped.
As soon as the hole was drilled sap was running down the side of the tree before we could even get the spile in. Thirty taps later and we were done. That evening we collected five and a half gallons of sap and so the cycle of collecting and boiling has begun again.
Last year was a long sugaring season and we got 5 gallons of finished syrup. This year we tapped more trees because we think the season will be short, which is the usual here in our area of Ohio. In total we have 30 taps going and are hoping to get a few gallons of syrup once again.
The little black garage cat (aka “The Sweets”) loves it when sugaring season rolls around. Just like her mama used to do, she followed us around the woods as we tapped trees and she runs ahead of Mr Chiots on the paths when he collects the sap. No doubt she’s enjoying some human companionship after a long lonely winter in the garage.
Our maple syrup is precious and since we use it as almost our only form of sweetener, we use it sparingly throughout the year. We’re always happy to reach the next cycle with a few jars of syrup left in the pantry. When I checked last week we still had almost 2 gallons left.
What’s your favorite way to use maple syrup?
If you want to read up on maple sugaring I’d highly recommend these books:
Yum! You’ve almost convinced me to try sugaring again. Boiling it down is the problem… Can’t do it in the house, and I’m not home enough to keep an outdoor fire going. And since we mostly have red maples not sugar maples, I need to collect a LOT more sap, or tap it at other people’s houses (which I’ve done before)… Yup, I’m talking myself out of it. Sure would be nice to have all that syrup though!
to Joan's comment
One thing you can do to shorten your boiling time is to freeze your sap. The water will freeze leaving the sugar to boil.
to Jennifer Fisk's comment
We have red maples here too. You can store the sap and boil on the weekends as well if possible. Ours is stored in bit pots on the back porch.
to Susy's comment
This is definitly on my to-do list next year.
Your sugaring pictures are also my favorite in your calendar :)
to Andrea Duke's comment
I dont think I have a favorite way to enjoy maple syrup.. I like them all.
to KimH's comment
Was thinking the same thing today, time to get the stuff out! We’ve had some pleasant days in the 30’s and cold nights. Perfect for running sap. I am with you on the sap season, I think this year might be short, since last year was terrifically long! Now that I’m thinking of syrup, I should probably make some pumpkin pancakes. I just roasted a pumpkin yesterday and that would be delicious!
to Stone Soup's comment
Living in England I find the idea of tapping trees & producing your own maple syrup fabulous! :)
I admit I dont buy alot of maple syrup as the ‘nice’ stuff is rather expensive..but do love it with homemade pancakes & ice cream. yum.
to Mich's comment
I enjoy Maple Syrup on hot cereal and over vanilla ice cream. Of course it is wonderful on pancakes and waffles too.
to Jennifer Fisk's comment
Over oatmeal, and plain yogurt. I also like it as a glaze on salmon. I can always find local syup around here,but it must be great to make your own. Do you ever make maple sugar out of your syrup?
to Kathi Cook's comment
I haven’t made maple sugar yet, I keep wanting to try but never want to risk losing any of our syrup. Someday I will though as I find the idea intriguing!
to Susy's comment
Maple Syrup is a hot commodity at our house too. I like to use it to sweeten yogurt!
to Allison's comment
I don’t have any trees to tap, but I’m lucky enough to have a local sugar bush where I get my syrup – and they offer the different grades as well. I LOVE the darker grades, especially for baking. But my favourite use? On my morning oatmeal :)
to K.B.'s comment
I am sooo jealous! I wish we could tap sugar maples here. ALAS! Wishing you the best and wonderful flowing goodness. I saw your little snowdrop. So small, so cute. Our hyacinths and irises are up.
to Brittany P.'s comment
Have you seen the new cookbook by Marie W. Lawrence called The Farmers Cookbook??? Got it, LOVE it!!!
to Brittany P.'s comment
I like to put maple syrup on cornmeal mush that’s been fried in bacon fat. YUM
to Rhonda's comment
MMMM, it’s been far too long since I’ve had cornmeal mush – must make some. I too love it fried up crispy and smothered in butter & maple syrup!
to Susy's comment
So awesome.
we just did this yesterday…and sure glad we did as it is snowing today
I am writing about it tomorrow.
excited to read about your experience here.
T
to t's comment
I imagine there is a feeling of spring when you begin this process. Hope of warmer days. Hope of longer days. Sort of a sign of a new season coming.
to Sincerely, Emily's comment
We usually make around 8 gallons every year my girls love maple sugar candy and can’t wait for it to come out of the molds.We put out 20 taps and will probably put out about that many more when time allows.I also think it will be a short year as this winter has been so mild and alot of trees have buds already.I have never started this early it is usually mid March at the earliest.
to B ryan N.'s comment
How cool is that?!! We love maple syrup, or as we call it, maple syrple.
I love it in baked goods and on waffles! Enjoy your harvest!
to daisy's comment
So this is something anyone could do. I could start an organic farm of maple syrup with the maple trees in my yard? Seems simple enough even if I only get enough for my family. How exciting. I am now on a mission. Thanks.
to Ashley Winters's comment
We used to get our maple syrup at Local Roots by the gallon, but lately have only been able to find itsy-bitsy bottles – not worth the expense. I wish we had woods to tap. Just today I talked to our Amish farmer, hopefully they are interested in selling us some!
to Sofie Dittmann's comment
Totally off the topic of maple syrup :) when you move will you take all your cats?
to Gail's comment
LOVE the darker grades, especially for baking. I don’t have any trees to tap, but I’m lucky enough to have a local sugar bush where I get my syrup – and they offer the different grades as well.
to Kate's comment