Jan 25 2009
Getting Ready to Collect Maple Sap
Though I long for the warm weather of spring and summer, this time of year is still a little exciting. This is the time we get ready to collect maple sap, which can start as early as mid-February. What we’re looking for is a warming trend that starts the sap flowing.
Personally, I love just about everything about maple syrup time. It is fun to collect the sap (as long as there isn’t a biting wind) and boiling down the sap into syrup and candy is fun too. Many people who have sugar houses around here invite the general public to come in and sit a spell, mulling over local issues or just socializing. After all, there isn’t much to do while watching the syrup boil!
If this is your first, or even tenth year collecting syrup, there are a few basics you should make sure to have on hand :
- Hand or battery powered drill and bits
- Clean collection containers
- Clean taps
- New or incredibly clean hose, if that is your method of collection
- Equipment for boiling the sap
- Containers to store the syrup in
Being prepared will make the process run much more smoothly. If you’re planning on selling the end products, such as maple syrup or maple syrup candy, be sure to have the proper approval from state or local governments and display your licenses where necessary. Call your Cooperative Extension office to see what you need to do in order to be ready to sell your products this year.
Here’s looking toward a prosperous maple sap season!
~~Charlotte
