By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
It may seem like seasonal farming won’t begin until May or June. However, maple syrup is one commodity that relies on the late winter weather for its production.
That’s why maple syrup farms are busiest during February and March, when above-freezing temperatures during the day and sub-freezing temperatures at night provide the ideal conditions for sap to flow in sugar maple trees, making maple syrup production possible.
Dozens of farms statewide host guests during Maple Weekend (www.mapleweekend.com), March 22-23 and March 29-30. Participating farms host events to help the public better understand how they transform sap that’s 96%-97% water into pure, flavorful syrup without any added sugar or flavoring agents.
It takes about 42 gallons of raw sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. A couple generations ago, maple syrup farmers (“sugar makers”) gathered sap by pounding spiles into trees and hanging buckets on them to collect the sap. Modern farms use plastic tubing to collect sap into a large reservoir. Some farms also use vacuum systems to help move more sap.
To make syrup from sap, sugar makers must remove the excess water through evaporation, typically in large pans. Some farms also use reverse osmosis to hasten that process.
No other ingredients are added to make maple syrup. According to USDA, a cup serving (1/4 cup) of maple syrup contains antioxidants and small amounts of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, manganese, selenium and riboflavin. It also boasts 60-93 mg. of calcium per tablespoon (milk contains only 18 mg. per tablespoon!).
During Maple Weekend (which is, in fact, two weekends), visitors can tour sugarhouses to view the RO and evaporation equipment in action, watch demonstrations on spile tapping, compare grades and colors of syrup and poke around in the sugarhouses’ gift shops. Some maple syrup farms provide children’s activities, displays of vintage processes and equipment, syrup samples, tours of the “sugarbush” (the sugar maple trees they tap), breakfasts for sale and more.
The New York State Maple Producers’ Association organizes the event, which is funded by members and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Not all sugarhouses are accessible or provide restrooms. Contact the venue before starting out to confirm hours and any amenities you may need. Because these are working farms, anticipate slippery, uneven surfaces and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.