As posted earlier, I love the Maple Sap Run season! I am a bit discouraged this year because the sap started so early that we missed some of it. The weather has not been optimal for consistent running.
While at our local Farm Store, I inquired about others reporting the success of the maple season. I learned that everyone seems to be experiencing the same results. I actually found this somewhat encouraging, only because I didn't feel like such a complete failure! Two VERY IMPORTANT tidbits of info came out of that conversation that is as valuable as the maple run this year, though.
1. Put in your taps the weekend before Valentine's Day for our area. That way, no matter when the season actually starts, we won't miss any of it!
2. When we find a bucketful of frozen sap, don't bother to boil it down. Throw out the ice chunk! This really perplexed me! All the frozen liquid is nearly pure water - the very stuff that we boil out of it! All the good sweet sugary content does not freeze and is at the bottom. I think I heard the Angels singing this fact out loud at that moment!
I knew that pure maple syrup won't freeze, but never really thought about the sap.
I thought we were ready this year.....next year we will be even "readyier"
Showing posts with label maple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maple. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Another Sappy Story!
This year for the Maple Sap Run we were more prepared than ever before! Having battled with old milk jugs for collection in the past, we decided to up the ante and buy "real" maple collecting buckets. Of course, that our local Farm Store had them dirt-cheap certinly sealed the deal of the big investment!
Normally, new buckets cost in the $25.00/ea range. I found them for $6.50/each! I picked up 12 new-to-us buckets and lids. We also improved the collection by adding in some "line" to hook several trees or taps into one bucket.
The Maple business really belongs to Number One. He decided to let Trink help with the run, so she has three of her own trees. They are located in the driveway - which I love! I absolutely love the sight of maple buckets this time of year - SPRING is on its way!
Normally, new buckets cost in the $25.00/ea range. I found them for $6.50/each! I picked up 12 new-to-us buckets and lids. We also improved the collection by adding in some "line" to hook several trees or taps into one bucket.
The Maple business really belongs to Number One. He decided to let Trink help with the run, so she has three of her own trees. They are located in the driveway - which I love! I absolutely love the sight of maple buckets this time of year - SPRING is on its way!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)