We started using milk jug type containers to collect the sap, but quickly realized that we needed to switch to 5 gallon buckets. This didn't mean we would have gallons of maple syrup. It takes about 90 gallons to make just one gallon of syrup, once it's all boiled down!
There was still a lot of snow on our hike up to the top of our land, and on one steep stretch Paul and I were slipping and sliding like crazy. Luckily, it was a warm day and melted later on.
We had enough taps to do ten trees. Then we had to check them daily, and store the sap in the fridge until we would collect enough to boil.
That is so neat, hope you get it boiled down quickly. Years ago I would see the cows licking maple trees and found that the sap would drip down the trunk and evaporate leaving the sugar, I was able to lick higher than the cows so I guess maple sugar forms naturally.
ReplyDeleteNeat. So we can go to the store and buy some "Workman's Maple Syrup" soon?
ReplyDeleteWow! I had no idea it took so much to make one gallon of syrup. Hoping it goes well for y'all. I'm sure it will be the best tasting syrup!
ReplyDeletei saw a huge boiling vat at a sale recently. I wasn't sure what it was at first.
ReplyDeleteWOW - that's a lot of work! But I'm sure it is very rewarding. Can't wait to hear how it goes :)
ReplyDeleteWe are in the middle of syrup country! Our neighbours have 35 acres, and a huge operation.
ReplyDeleteRe: apple trees: I planted two last year. We'll see if they survive! The deer nibble the branches of the other trees!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!
I always picture the trees shivering in fear at the vampire humans coming to suck all their sap out....
ReplyDeleteThe guy that does it around here uses a big pot and a propane burner for his when boiling it down.
Wow I had no idea it took so much sap to get a gallon of syrup! Will you boil it down outside in a big vat or do it in smaller batches inside?
ReplyDeleteYou're Actually Doing It!!! How exciting.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to more of the story.
You do the best adventures ever!
love & love,
-g-
That looks like fun. I'd like to try this.
ReplyDeleteMy limited experience on this subject tells me its all about timing. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lot of work! I hope you are able to collect enough!
ReplyDeletehow exciting! i cant wait to see how it all turns out.
ReplyDeleteI have never taste the maple syrup. It's so expensive here and so rare.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that it takes so much sap! No wonder maple syrup is expensive.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so cool!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, yet a lot of work. I have no doubt though, you guys will have maple syrup! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
I can't wait to see and hear the process of boiling it down to make syrup. How do you know how to do all this stuff?
ReplyDeleteNeat! Yes, keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteWe would love to help!
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
So cool! My son had the joy of learning about the maple syrup process at his school last year. They walked through the woods with their snowshoes and "helped" tap the trees and collect the syrup. I bet your boys must love learning how you can do it right at home!
ReplyDeleteI loved this and shared this with Benjamin, he thought it was so neat. This is something we don't have down here in TEXAS.
ReplyDeleteMy dad used to tap maple trees when we were kids.
ReplyDelete