How to Finish And Bottle Maple Syrup

[@chuly740]

I finished my first season 2 weeks ago, ended up with 1.5 gallons finished. Planning on a bigger season next season! There is nothing like making your own from start to finish!

[@the32712]

How many trees did you tap Matt?

[@rikidd77]

That's awesome!! Always keep learning, researching and perfecting the craft. 🍁

[@rikidd77]

Where are you sugaring Matt?

[@chuly740]

@@rikidd77 I did my first small boil on Sunday and ended up with about 1/2 gallon finished product. It was bar far the best looking/tasting I've ever made. My plan is to do at least 1-2 big boils as well!

[@rikidd77]

@@chuly740 now your are hooked! It only gets tastier from here. What state are you sugaring in?

[@mio.giardino]

I’ll never question a home producer on how pricy their maple syrup is. Thank you for sharing the process :-)

[@Jason-wc3fh]

Awesome. I'm in my second year of doing this as a hobby with 8 trees. Lots of work, but well worth the effort for the reward in the end. After my first years production, I could no longer stand the taste of the store bought syrup. It's also a very nice break away from the depressing Covid-19 epidemic. I had bought a cheap refractometer this year, and it turned out to be garbage. I very quickly had to go back to the old school method to do my final boil. I used both a thermometer and the "sheeting" method. I found (as do most) that the standard 7.5 degrees above boiling may not be good enough and/or accurate with a thermometer. I found mine would easily jump to 222 and 217 when I was getting very close to syrup. I added the sheeting test with a metal spatula to help out in the final boil. I got it down to a fine art. Once you pull the spatula out of the syrup (a foot or so above your pot), watch the droplets fall off like water, but you know you're at syrup when that VERY last droplet is going to fall off the spatula, but instead turns into a hardened piece before it even becomes a droplet. It just solidifies itself partially hanging off the spatula in a sheet/early droplet formation and will not fall. This happens very quickly at the end. When it happened for me. I was at 222 for temperature when I was boiling the entire time at 212/213. I would have possibly tried to get a hydrometer, but at this time of year, none are available anywhere.

[@ktreznin5538]

First time tapping this year. This is EXCELLENT information. Thank you so much!!!

[@timothylongmore7325]

Thanks for the info. Glad you covered hydrometer vs. thermometer. Never had good luck with a thermometer.

[@alexschebal876]

Thanks for clearing up many of my questions. This was very informative!

[@rikidd77]

Good video, thanks for posting.

[@mydogsandme5332]

I absolutely love the maple syrup video's i want to try this when I retire

[@heidifauske3249]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@Jane-ez7yl]

Good tutorial 👌 this is my time colecting sap as i dont have equipment I dicovered a traditional egg white method Works like a charm !

[@VTgirlandherbeagles]

Thank you for this very informative video! First time tapping this year up in VT - we're just doing it for fun and for our own use. I have had the hardest time finding a clear video on how to read the Hydrometer. I wasn't sure if the red line should be at the syrup level or the edge of the syrup cup. You are awesome!!

[@Coatsy71]

Thanks for the vid. Found some great tips. I'm bottling today.

[@csanders6218]

Thank you for the great video! I've looked for many videos of how to do this at home if you aren't some big scale home production (yet). Many other videos are rushed and don't give as many clear steps that are shown. I appreciate it. Keep up the great content!

[@PaulaJoDavis]

Great talk! Thank you! Your syrup looks amazing. Shalom and Blessings.

[@davidcameron7628]

Can't wait to purchase some!

[@HDDynalowrider]

Its a labor of love. I have never made a penny but I made some friends.

[@nourahelal1696]

Thank you for sharing!

[@larryreno8293]

There is no better smell than the kitchen during the finishing process.

[@mishamykayla9942]

Have you heard of the wooden spoon trick?... To avoid bubbling over, rest large wooden spoon over pot and watch the bubbles recede. It's like magic. Have not tried with syrup specifically, but it works with water.

[@dereksmith1726]

Love your videos! Idk if you rinse the hydrometer with hot water after each use or not but I was told that’s very important because the hot syrup will get cold and start to layer on the glass causing it to be heavier and won’t give you an accurate reading. Also Slowly bringing up the temperature when finishing is a new tip for me. Never knew that. Anyway, I can’t wait to see you expand over the years, as I plan to do that myself too. Can’t wait to buy some of your syrup!

[@Jason-wc3fh]

Your logic is correct with regards to a clean refractometer glass. It certainly is convenient to be able to quickly test with a small droplet or two; but yes, with that small amount, there has to be ZERO traces of any of the previous readings left on the refractometer. It's one of those situations where your end result is only as good the preparation!

[@elaine9396]

I know this is 2 yrs late, but he did say to rinse them in the video.

[@DanielSon69]

And the question was also about the hydrometer, not the refractometer

[@OHBuckNow]

Thank you

[@neildriedger637]

GREAT video,loved it Todd!

[@flooringpro]

Thanks enjoyed the whole series

[@heavenscenthomestead4242]

I put my hot finished syrup into my big coffee urn. Makes bottling a breeze! I love those little bottles.

[@TrinityRidge1959]

I made enough for my family and its so delicious..I'm glad its done and over..i boil high on propane..time to think about seeding! Nicely put together!

[@finallyfriday.]

One thing most don't figure into the "profit" calculations- this is all done at a time of year when little other income can be made. Something beats zero

[@willymags123]

Thank you for another awesome video!!

[@asliceofheavenhomestead3559]

Man, that is quite a process! Oh, I can taste that delicious syrup right now 😋. I really loved this video 😁, thank you for sharing!

[@sadie2431]

Can’t wait to buy some! ❤️

[@ColoradoFlyFisherMan]

You might look into a product called starsan. It's no rinse sanitizer that is used in bottling beer and works really well at killing unwanted bugs.

[@DDiamondRRuby]

My son and I tapped our maple trees for the first time in 2016. I was so excited that we could make maple syrup! Since then I've made maple candy and maple sugar - have you ever tried maple sugar? It is very easy and a good way to use up the end of the season sap. Bless you for your videos.

[@802louis]

Wow very very nice nice job 👍😃😃😃

[@HDDynalowrider]

I go two lines higherabove the brix hot test red line to make it a bit thicker.

[@beckyg8724]

Awesome!

[@scottbenson5774]

Question? How do I store sap after first boil down and how long can I go before I get to my final bottling and finishing process?

[@bugaiho]

Go Navy!

[@designerpeisagistgeorgeadr3523]

I found you through the suggested videos. First, your videos are very informative. I just made a KZbin channel so I'm definitely doing my research. Thanks for all your help. Please keep it up! Just subbed!

[@williamluddy9440]

Just did my first batch definitely a novice did it all by going with all the videos looks like it came out very good. When does it thicken I noticed even in your bottles on your finish label that is still liquidy. When does it thicken up or how long does it take to pick it up?

[@MrsMags]

I want to buy some this year. I think I've tried pure maple syrup once.

[@kennethtompkins1287]

what no lol

[@chevy6299]

I can taste it now on a stack of buckwheat pancakes, mmmmm.

[@FLPhotoCatcher]

I hope I didn't say this before, but one thing that may have reduced the amount of sap that flowed, is the smaller black spiles. They are not tapered much, and I have found that they end-up far into the trees, blocking some of the sap.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Yeah I have found that the blue ones I got on Amazon are much better

[@futurecutter2275]

I noticed you bottled when your brix hit the first red line which is "60". Sap isnt considered syrup until its between 66-68 as you mentioned. Is "60" the acceptable brix for the "hot test?"

[@TheSmagzilla]

thermometer works just fine, you just didnt check what water was boiling at on it then add 7.5. you need to do this daily and sometimes hourly depending on barometric pressure. your losing temp with that funnel setup....just use the bigger pot and you can dump it right in. and get your cup the same temp as the syrup. If you let your syrup settle out for 2 weeks this will be a much easier process. then put your orlon in a stainless coffee urn for bottling. you dont need to turn it on, just fill at correct temp and bottle as fast as possible.

[@gregschultz2029]

How many bottles will you make this year ? Looks like fun !!! Good Video !!!

[@elaine9396]

Hey FamilyDad, I may have missed this in the video, but, how did you prep the caps for the bottles? Did you boil them to sterilize? If so, how long?

[@mijejo11]

Wonderful video! This is my first year tapping and you helped me tremendously. Can you give me a source for the plastic used to heat seal the bottles, please?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Specialty bottles .com

[@jennifercurcio3323]

A lot of great info, thanks! We are completely new to the process and tried tapping our sugar maples for the first time this year. My maple syrup is much lighter in colour than yours, why is that? Also have you tried using a refractometer instead of a hydrometer? I've been reading about both. Finally, is it normal for the syrup to be very thin when you first bottle it and then thicken after the bottle is opened and refrigerated? I am using a candy thermometer and wondering if I'm just bottling it too soon.

[@gregj2647]

I’m certainly no expert but every time I’ve made syrup the color is different. I’m my experience it depends on the trees and where in the collection season the sap is collected. Early sap seems to be lighter.

[@powerram92]

Does the syrup thickin once it's cooled?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Yes, if it’s boiled down far enough it will thicken. It won’t be as thick as the corn syrup fake syrup

[@leannekenyoung]

Hi just wanted to say hi, I found you through suggested videos on my newsfeed and I thoroughly enjoyed watching your process. I will see if you made any syrup for the 2021 season and if you have any left for sale. I enjoy diy videos and you are a great teacher that shares detailed information which I like. Thanks again for posting your videos.🥰🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Thanks for watching! No syrup for sale this year:(

[@jamespotwin3488]

How long is the season for making maple syrup. When I buy maple syrup i see that there is different grades of syrup what’s the difference in the grades of maple syrup

[@Submanca]

I use a refractometer to measure my sugar content, I got it on Amazon. I am surprised you have time to check it with a hydrometer. Things usually happen so fast when I do it I check a new sample every minute.

[@Jason-wc3fh]

Did you buy that cheap one from amazon? I bought a refractometer from amazon for my syrup since I already had so much experience using a refractometer when I ran a reef aquarium. The piece of junk I got from amazon was a pure waste of money. It smelled horrible, no name brand, Had a layer of the plastic with a big defect on the plastic lens, couldn't calibrate it worth a crap and get anywhere near a firm, straight line. Let alone a line that could be accurately read to within the correct brix ranges for maple syrup. I tossed it right in the garbage and ate my loss on that one. I guess that's the difference between a standard priced $150 to $250 refractometer to a $30 knock off wannabe refractometer.

[@skitzochik]

does the vapor from the boiling pots makes your wall and/or ceiling sticky?

[@timothylongmore7325]

You should vent the steam. The sugar is not evaporating just water. You don't want to do the whole process inside , just the finishing. Turkey cooker outdoors works pretty good and if you can partially freeze the sap it will greatly reduce the boiling time. I just leave it in buckets or collect early and throw away the ice.

[@skitzochik]

@@timothylongmore7325 omg lol I feel like such a dim wit, now that you say it I guess the ceiling wouldn't get sticky jeeeez I'm not always this dense forgive me. Thank you for replying.

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@skitzochik Not at all. When we first did it people told us it would cause the wall paper to peal right off! I've got to redo part of my ceiling due to stickyness but that's from 25 years of frying stuff, lol.

[@skitzochik]

@@timothylongmore7325 did you build that spot yourself? How do you know when the syrup is finally done?

[@timothylongmore7325]

@@skitzochik when it reachs 219 f degrees. it will want to foam up also. i just remodeled my kitchen and we were going to leave that portion alone until i put a bright light on it and realized it needed cleaning and painting as well.

[@romerobinson8279]

How long will the syrup stay good if not opened using that bottle and lid? Where can I buy these lids? Thanks for all your help and sharing your process!

[@timothylongmore7325]

long time , years and years. Most farm supply stores have syrup containers. Mason jars work very well also.

[@donniewilson7391]

Let me know when it’s available

[@Bucksboyy]

Had lots of problems with my cone filter clogging and syrup would stop running thru it. Still had a little stuff on bottom of jar after cooled....

[@simpleliving5389]

is there a certain way to store the sap in the water jugs...and how long can you keep it..

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Storing sap is tricky. Either freeze it or boil it right away. Otherwise it only lasts a few days

[@jstidgwell]

Curious? Why didn't you cook it down longer outside with wood? Getting ready for my first crack at maple syrup. Is there an optimal time?

[@TheUnistat76]

Do you think when you finish your sugar shack you will move the finishing process there? You can find stoves and ranges on Craigslist pretty cheap.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I hope so, I will need to pour a concrete floor in there and then buy some bottling equipment to do it right

[@thecynic807]

Hey can you make sure I can get a bottle of your syrup. I get the feeling you will sell out in a few hours.

[@Cheeseheadhomestead1]

Question, i pull my sap off at 219 digital thermometer but it's quite runny. I know hydrometer is the gold standard. Can i keep cooking it at 219 and not for sugar sand?

[@leegodfrey3490]

Would love to have a bottle of your syrup

[@toddlfrank]

If you cook it longer would it be thicker?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

You can keep cooking it into maple butter and then maple sugar. So, yes, it continues to get thicker

[@foxfox4738]

Did the maple tree with the many taps ever give you any sap?

[@dereksmith1726]

Yes I’m curious too

[@robertsimon9900]

Gonna wash bottles in dishwasher without soap. My dishwasher has anti spot solution in it. Is this ok with bottles?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Yea just put vinegar in the spot free dispenser

[@robertsimon9900]

@@SSLFamilyDad my spot free reservoir has product in it now, that can’t be removed

[@andrewsarles3520]

How do you get that little bit of sand out of the bottom of the finished pan?Nevrmind! It's fun but it takes alot of time!!!!! SSOme days at work I'm a zombie after boiling sap!

[@Rosch39]

Hallo, very nice video! Where do You living in? I am from Bratislava /Slovakia /Europe...

[@backyardbeesllc5691]

There are programs that allow you to apply for funds to help in your farming / business. @workvesselsforvets you can apply for funds to help grow your business. This could be a great way to help expand your maple syrup business.

[@kkuurr130]

Having sediment in my bottles this year

[@SSLFamilyDad]

That can happen sometimes. Only thing you can do is refilter and rebottle

[@НаталияЛитвинова-б2ш]

🤝👍👍👍

[@thily7682]

How do i order

[@fredA1234]

How important is it to have the temperature 211 when you use the hydrometer? I’ve noticed by the time I use the hydrometer I’m about 198-ish is that OK we usually make about a gallon a year. Me and my girls. Is it OK to be a little under the red line and make a little thinner syrup? Thanks fred

[@SSLFamilyDad]

If you are not selling it, it doesn't matter. However, I believe it is safer as far as storage when the sugar content is higher. Also, if your syrup cools too much as you test it the hydrometer will float higher, so just boil it a little further so the red line is 1 tick above the surface

[@fredA1234]

SSLFamilyDad Great thank you

[@fredA1234]

SSLFamilyDad I was also thinking about using a refractometer. What do you think?

[@HGD70]

Did you ever get much sap from the tree you are trying to kill?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Update on that soon but the short answer is not very much

[@FoodwaysDistribution]

How sticky is that kitchen now?

[@SSLFamilyDad]

not sticky at all, no sugar in the steam, just water

[@TheInspector911]

I was hoping to see how you filter the syrup :(

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Did you watch the video at all?

[@TheInspector911]

@@SSLFamilyDad yes, didn’t filter hardly at all

[@chaddesantis4191]

First!

[@lechatbotte.]

Lol

[@greensnapper1602]

Family ANY Samples ? If you can send Us your INFO I want to send you Cash over night it out to you when your Ready.. Or how ever you want to do it .. Your about 12 hours a way, we also have some family that live up in Lansing too... Cant Wait this year to Get some to put over Top a Good Ham for the Family Its just like Making MOONSHINE ! Time is $ $ Dollar Signs !! lol that's how we look at it here.. The Filters you have there look like a MICRON Screen's there... Having Any Babies on the Farm Yet this season ? Or Still Waiting ? Ok Family ill let you go STAY Safe getting Crazy Out there lol Thank You for your Time...