Tapped the maples.

[sumdumguy]

We are in the process of moving to the farm for the summer. Now that’s an easy job-not! Turns out this area is Covid City so the horses are not getting their de-wormer. 😂

[redleaf]

Well after a call to Sheepwheat I am off to a late start but very much enjoying what I hope will become an annual project. I took a very thrifty approach and my equipment mainly consists of 1/4” airline and empty milk jugs. Simply drill a quarter inch hole in the tree at a somewhat upwards slant and jam the airline into it then run downslope into a milk jug. After trying the side burner on the bbq and my winter camp wood stove I went and splurged on a Turkey deep fried for boiling the sap. Moving the deep boiler into the greenhouse also made a huge difference on its efficiency. I’ll try to attach some photos.

[redleaf]

Turkey deep fryer working as it should

[redleaf]

Jar one finished product.

Sorry for the sideways pictures.

[Sheepwheat]

So awesome, red leaf!

[workboots]

I got about 15-20 liters from the 10 taps over 36hr period. Results from the boil was about 550ml of dark maple syrup that was much thicker consistency then Costco Kirkland organic maple syrup. This might be due to boiling off more water then is standard.

Tested flavour against Costco Kirkland organic maple syrup and it was very similar.

According to the little bit of Info i could find online regarding syrup Color and grade, dark maple syrup is considered good quality in the maple syrup business. It is typically the result of late season sap and tends to result in a more robust flavoured syrup then earlier season sap.

[redleaf]

[QUOTE=workboots;492503]I got about 15-20 liters from the 10 taps over 36hr period. Results from the boil was about 550ml of dark maple syrup

I would say that’s a pretty good ratio. I think it took around 40 litres here for half litre of syrup. What area are you tapping trees in workboots ?

[woodland]

Mmmmmmm now you need some fried eggs, bacon, and a waffle to go with it and you’re set. Yum😋

For Christmas I got a couple bags of maple sugar granules and it’s great to throw on toast or popcorn.

I admire everyone who has the patience to do this. Good job.

[workboots]

SE SK

My volume estimate on syrup could be a smidge high but no way I boiled over 20L.

[parsley]

I tapped Manitoba maples but it takes a lot of patience. And a lot of boiling. Not as sweet as Que. maples but very good tasting.

[beaverdam]

When tapping is done and you remove your hose, how do you deal with the drain holes?

Do you hammer in a wooden plug?

Would you notice any bad side effects to your tree if your in a dryer area and it also happens to be a dryer year?

Do you drill your holes to the center core?

[Sheepwheat]

When tapping is done and you remove your hose, how do you deal with the drain holes?

Do you hammer in a wooden plug?

Would you notice any bad side effects to your tree if your in a dryer area and it also happens to be a dryer year?

Do you drill your holes to the center core?

You do nothing, the trees self heal. No side effects, each tap takes such a minimal and unmeasurable amount of the total sap the tree needs.

You drill the holes maybe an inch and a half deep.