Making MAPLE SYRUP & Running a Maple Syrup Business - Ep. 161

[@Alpha1Farms]

Born and raised in VT. That light delicate flavored syrup you tried is what used to be called Grade A Fancy… it’s what we sell not what we eat. My dad used to make jokes about how we slapped the label “Fancy” on it to charge flatlanders more money and make them feel they are getting something special. I was always told that the light syrup was originally used to make a granulated sugar similar to white sugar specifically because it has little flavor.

[@kmcdonald3766]

One of the more interesting videos I’ve seen, and I’ve watched a lot lately trying to learn hats off to you

[@dkulikowski]

Good morning, Summer. Thank you for sharing this couples story. Very informative and interesting. I never realized how much work goes into a small local business. I have mentioned to you before that I am in a 5-stage senior living community that is surrounded by acres of nature. A few weeks ago the staff tapped many of our 'on grounds' maple trees. Tasting the slightly sweet 'water sap' coming from the trees. We residents got to join in on the tapping and later the boiling down. Thank you again for sharing your young journey with me, a senior woman coming 'full circle' in her life. We are both blessed with our wonderful journey with Mother Nature. Namaste dear Summer Rayne.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Well that is just a marvelous activity that the staff shared with the residents. What fun to see that and experience it. As you saw here, Mike, Jeremy's dad, was sugaring when he was 12 years old, so I'm sure some of the residents got to relive some sugaring memories as well. Have a lovely day!

[@aaronolsen3985]

You guys always ask such great questions! Thanks for another great video- I learn so much AND enjoy watching them!

[@sherry2836]

After seeing the process, I can certainly see why pure maple syrup is so expensive. For a tree to share its precious nectar without harm to the tree is another fascinating facet of nature. At about the 23:40 mark, where Jeremy is showing how to tap a tree, I wonder how many times in a day you would empty that bucket? Would the weight of the sap in the bucket pull out that plastic tap if too heavy? Thanks for the video.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Really good question on how long it takes. I would imagine it would be an all-day affair at the slowness of the drip, but those spiles are designed to hold the weighted buckets. Perhaps someone who taps the old school way can weigh in (all pun intended) at the maximum weight those hold?

[@dkulikowski]

Here on our campus (senior living community) the staff is checking the buckets about every other day. I think the flow depends on the temperatures day through night.

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thanks Ms. Summer. We tapped maples years ago the old fashioned way for our personal use. It was a lot of work and a lot of cook time to evaporate the water. Sometimes it would end up scorching on us. ❄️💚🙃

[@LizZorab]

Always interesting, always entertaining! Many thanks for another inspiring video.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Birch trees are used in Alaska for making syrup and have their own unique taste. The nuance of flavors become personal preference. I prefer Canadian maple syrup, though I rarely sweeten my food anymore.

[@TheHonestPeanut]

Why did you stop using natural sugars?

[@EighteenandCloudy]

This was really interesting to watch, thank you! I didn't know much about maple syrup production before watching this, it's amazing to see the trees yield sap as soon as they're tapped.

[@kmcdonald3766]

This was a very cool video very informative even though I’m just do it yourself or fairly new at it. It’s an unbelievable set up. You guys have my father used to own 200 acres that had lots of maples and my mom sold it after he passed, I would love to be able to do something like you guys are Right now I only have 10 acres more red maple than sugar I love the reverse osmosis. the whole set up is very nice quite fancy love this stuff thanks

[@NatureIntoAction]

Great channel amd content! Always enjoy these videos that mix the nature, people and how to.

[@ConnieMay-h3q]

We had a gallon of maple syrup that we did not refrigerate. It grew mold. We now refrigerate our syrup.

[@barbarabranstetter1784]

Very interesting video, thanks for sharing 👍

[@lookingforsure]

Amazing ! Thank you for sharing

[@danmcleod1360]

Great interview.

[@sheilalawrence2145]

How fantastic! Thank you.

[@chrysalis2112]

Thanks

[@dalerounds4036]

What a great family venture, an experience every N.Y. students should be exposed to.Growing up here in upstate N.Y.,the Adirondack region this has always been a way of life coming out of the long winter months.

[@Bluewaterpinessantarosabeach]

We have been producing for generations. Right now they are boiling in the Master Boiler! Not easy at all. When the sap runs it runs and hauling loads of syrup by massive tank trucks on mountain roads fragile from heavy snow and ice is a feat in itself. Way back when I would ride on the dray pulled by horses collecting bucket after bucket by hands . Not easy leading teams with a heavy tank on a wooden sled. Last year we collected over 500 barrels of syrup which then goes to a large buyer! Barrels!

[@jsaysyay]

it is funny how each state/area debates which is best, though i have the least stake in this as someone from MA, sure LOTS is made here i can find it anywhere, but we go to VT for "the good stuff" aka "as dark as possible, i want to feel like i'm eating a tree" lol. one thing i am curious about is what boxelder syrup is like, because out of any maple, those are by far the most common within a mile of me. i do vaguely remember reading at some point about when states were picking state trees, there were debates over who was "allowed" to have it, but i cant find it now

[@malikaeastonAllahfirstanfamily]

Beautiful I love learning about nature and natural things that is creative. God is amazing and giving, ameen ❤️❤️❤️

[@802louis]

Great job 👏

[@marcorossignol7746]

I use bottles that allow me to keep my prices affordable, not to hide "things". They are sterilized, full and sealed. And oh so tasty!😊

[@lildunacres]

Wisconsin has the best maple syrup 😊

[@sandylee1717]

A ton of work but so worth it

[@FlockFingerLakes]

We had some of their maple syrup on our kefir and sprouted granola and it was divine. A sort of toasted, nutty flavor. We can really savor and appreciate it a bit more after seeing the work involved!

[@thomasjohnfisher]

Just wanted to add a thought to producers. I like the idea of glass, but why not use reusable canning jars. I as a consumer, would appreciate the “value” of getting a jar I can really use.

[@redlinefishing]

I’m thinking if you divide 86 by your sugar content. That’ll give a much better idea of sap/syrup ratio. Keep it real

[@elizabethredmond4585]

Healthy life style❤

[@FlockFingerLakes]

It is...unless you drink too much of your maple syrup! haha ;)

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Dang beavers dam is so far from us !! 😢

[@OutdoorThings101]

Just made my first ever batch! Came out great, Video on my channel!

[@rosemaryrasmussen2308]

Read Miracles on Maple Hill by Sorensen.

[@FlockFingerLakes]

Thanks for the reco!

[@PlantNative]

Another good one is Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Chapter 7, Maple Sugar Moon…chokes me up every time.

[@paulwall5706]

👍👍

[@bretfurgason7615]

Yummy (o;

[@PlantNative]

It’s no wonder why maple syrup is pricey.

[@mjdberry]

I love your thoughtful and ecologically minded work. I can tell you put care into including first peoples history with maple. I would encourage you to avoid the use of the word “sophisticated” next time. There is a problematic history of making a false dichotomy btw simple and sophisticated that has direct ties to racism. Often less mechanical and “high yield” technology has a deep wisdom and different kind of wholistic sophistication to it. Something I’m sure you’ve appreciated in ways before.

[@samaeltheangelofdeath]

Mayyyyy-pullll what!?!? Not in this house!!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦👋💢👋💢👋💢👋💢👋💢🍑