The Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill in Tennessee continues the time-honored tradition of sorghum making.

"The Time-Honored Tradition of Sorghum Making Carries On at Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill in Tennessee: A Fascinating Insight into the Process, History, and Family Legacy"
🍯 The video is about the process of making sorghum syrup at the Muddy Pond sorghum mill, including the operation of the boiler and steam pump.
Season Finale: This is the video I have been waiting to film since last year. I first started documenting the Guenther family in December, 2022. In this 12th video of the series we watch the Sorghum Mill in full Operation. Sorghum is a year around operation but its only cooked during September and October each fall. This video was filmed on location at the Muddy Pond Sorghum Mill in Muddy Pond, Tennessee. Many thanks to the Guenther Family for letting me coming film what they do so the world can see. No worries for those who have fallen in love with the Guenther Family we hope to start filming season 2 in November.
Thanks for watching
John & Jodi
Watch all 12 Episodes of the "Meet the Guenthers From Muddy Pond" playlist at the below link.
• Meet the Guenthers Fro...
0:00: 🍯 The video is about the process of making sorghum syrup at Muddy Pond sorghum Mill.
0:00: The process involves firing the mill, cooking the syrup, and extracting the juice.
0:22: The family at Muddy Pond sorghum Mill welcomes visitors.
1:35: The speaker has been working at the mill since a young age.
5:50: 🔥 The video discusses the safety features of a boiler and the amount of wood needed to fuel it.
5:50: The boiler has a safety valve that releases pressure if it goes over 125 lbs.
5:59: The boiler currently has a little over 100 lbs of pressure.
6:14: The boiler burns a large amount of wood and can hold about six ricks.
12:50: 📚 The video explains the difference between sorghum syrup and molasses.
12:50: Sorghum syrup is made from sorghum cane juice, not molasses.
13:07: It takes about 8 gallons of sorghum cane juice to boil down into syrup.
13:23: The baffles in the cooking process prevent uncooked juice from mixing with the finished syrup.
17:54: 👨‍🍳 The video shows the process of determining the thickness of a liquid using visual cues instead of thermometers.
17:54: The thickness of the liquid is determined visually by comparing the size of the bubbles.
18:38: The liquid is strained before being pumped up.
22:47: 👩‍🍳 Eddie's oldest daughter, 24 years old, is skilled in various tasks including driving the tractor, splitting wood, doing chores, working fields, and cooking.
22:47: Controlling the speed, depth, and thickness of the juice is important when making sorghum.
23:02: The correct thickness of the sorghum is crucial for it to cook properly.
23:15: Sorghum should be thick enough to stay on a biscuit without dripping off.
27:28: 🍯 The Sorghum Mill sells honey sticks in various flavors, which are popular among both children and adults.
27:28: Honey sticks are sold for 25 cents each and can be used to alleviate sugar lows for diabetics.
28:05: The Sorghum Mill also sells fresh and hot sorghum.
29:29: Daryl Gunther, Mark's nephew, has been involved in the business since he was a child.
38:52: 🍪 A family started making sorghum and baked goods in the 60s to create extra income, and they continue the tradition today.
38:52: The family started making sorghum and soon people were coming for the bread and cookies as well.
39:35: The store is open every day except Sunday, and they have baked goods available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in September and October.
39:41: The family had to strip the leaves and cut the heads of the sorghum when growing up.
43:39: 🌾 The speaker reminisces about his childhood memories of chewing on cane as a pastime.
43:39: Chewing on cane was a common pastime for the speaker and his friends during their childhood.
44:26: The speaker's father was also a hard worker who would continue working while talking.
48:34: 🌾 It is easier and more efficient to buy seeds from another person rather than growing and saving your own.
48:34: Buying seeds from someone else is cleaner, easier, and more cost-effective.
49:07: There are several different varieties of seeds available, including mixtures of white, red, and black.
49:26: Some varieties have shorter growing periods, such as a 90-day option.
53:39: 👩‍🍳 The speaker discusses how she learned about canning and cooking from her husband's family and the importance of family values.
53:39: The speaker learned about canning and cooking after marrying into her husband's family.
54:17: The Gunther family taught the speaker important life ethics, including the value of working together as a family.
Recap for / undefined by Tammy AI
#theappalachianchannel #sorghum #simplelife #simplelifestyle #simpleliving

[@jeffbeck0101]

I feel like you should keep making videos for yourself, as a journal, post them, and if people come by to see your progress.... it's a win. I know I watch new videos within a day or so. I just started my homestead and am constantly looking for ideas, advice, tips and tricks, and someone with the same interests. Good luck and we'll be here, ready to watch and cheer you on.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Many thanks to the Guenther family for carrying on this old tradition and also to you John for bringing this to us.

[@parker1ray]

Been to Muddy Pond many times and have eaten their sorghum. I have lived in Tennessee for 29 years and will admit that Tennessee has some of the most pretty women in the country!

[@martinyeakay2260]

That is awesome that I'm only about 15 miles from Battle Creek

[@jimflammer9370]

Some of the prettiest country girls

[@markcukrojiujitsu2322]

Sorghum syrup and butter on biscuits or toast is amazing!

[@sharlynebeach2786]

I grew up seeing my grandfather and the men of my family making what we called "sugar cane syrup" here in northwest Florida. It was cooked in a sugar kettle with a fire beneath the kettle. I have eaten alot of biscuits and syrup in my younger days. Since the majority of my family has passed away, I do not think I will see this again, unless it is at a museum, so thanks for the memories.

[@Wootensportscards]

My lands the lady telling us about baking is BEAUTIFUL..What a great family and tradition

[@ovalsteiner6543]

44:56 "laziness was not accepted".... remind me of my dad used to say👍😅

[@laurafratoni7931]

Accepted?

[@biffboffo]

I’m just amazed at how much wood the boiler consumes.

[@robertheilmann1102]

Thank you so very much for posting this , I’ve waited on it like the premier of a Hollywood movie. These traditions or arts I call them need to be carried on or they’ll be lost ! And this family is doing such a fine job of preserving them as well as allowing folks in to their family run business and rolling back the curtain to a truly organic process . No additives no cutting corners thank you all so much

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thanks for the comment. Watch all 12 Episodes of the "Meet the Guenthers From Muddy Pond" playlist at the below link. kzbin.info/aero/PLhiXVG-s0EOlg83uNT4NZ7dgvlbAFH44F&si=Aap_gJPAjAv6re33

[@wakeupamericaandresist2413]

Never had sorghum, but that’s about to change !!!! Ordered on there website 😄 thanks for the video

[@mikecurtis2585]

Very nice great video! Have a wonderful day!!

[@thegoodfight426]

Yay, the Muddy Pond Mennonites!!!! Thank you John and Jodi!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tombryan1]

I like your operation, i'm a retired Boilermaker so this is eye candy for me.

[@tamaramcgrath3327]

Wonderful video full of knowledge. You answered all of my questions in one video.

[@cafemolido5459]

I bought a couple bottles of your syrup and it is "GOOOOOOOOD."

[@deniseware1207]

Love this...I'm coming to visit y'all one day!!!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

I love history and the old ways ❤ Blessings

[@donvincent895]

We were at Muddy Pond last week some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, one of the best places we’ve ever been. Look forward to visiting again

[@Aprilwyatt0005]

We went there when I was a little girl on a school trip.

[@johnnysechrist6313]

My Grt Uncle John had the only cane press in Randolph county, the last batch of sorghum and the last tobbacco went in my pocket and bought me a new car before I went to Vietnam, a 70 Boss 429.

[@jeffboyles3611]

Just ordered a 1/2 gallon. Looking forward to having it on my wife's biscuits - real soon all the way out in Texas. I'm from southern Kentucky, so that will be an old time treat for us. Thanks for posting this. That's quite an operation.

[@onrycodger]

Wow! What a process. Most folks never give a thought of the work that goes into this. Those Gunther's are working machines that have the machine!😄 Another great video John...Thumbs up 👍

[@jimharris4740]

What a fantastic family. Reminds me of the waltons.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Yes the sure do

[@robertmcmurray]

fascinating video, great bunch of folks.

[@donstallard8303]

best sorghum's you will ever find> bought a gal. last fall got about a qt. left about time to reorder

[@barbarawren4731]

Love sorghum!! 😊

[@charliepc56]

Awesome! I always enjoy watching the Guenther family. They live the Good Life, working outdoors and bringing their children up to work generation after generation, and enjoy God's Bounty. Great video! Thanks!

[@jasonmorgan7939]

I made candied sweet potatoes with some Muddy Pond Sorghum this week and they were delicious. I also had some Muddy Pond BBQ sauce on some smoked chicken. Their BBQ sauce made with sorghum is delightful.

[@muddypondsorghum7148]

We are glad that you like our Sorghum and Barbecue Sauce. The Barbecue Sauce is my recipe and my husband, Mark, and I make every batch ourselves.

[@bennetts-revenge_2]

​@muddypondsorghum7148 do you have an online business? I love BBQ sauce

[@tammyvaughn6662]

❤ Love the Gunther's. Would love to visit them

[@loydmeeks2439]

Great tasting sorghum

[@cybrpypr]

The Guenthers of Muddy Pond are one of the best shining examples of Americans that there is. They all embody the true American spirit and soul of what this great nation aspires to be. I hope the best for all of them and I hope that their values, work ethics and beliefs will be embraced by more people of how to live a purposefull and sustainable life while holding to our values. God Bless.

[@chrisjohnson4666]

Looks similar to our maple syrup rigs up in the North....

[@towntourin]

Love the Guenther family. such hard working and pleasant. True America at its Best. 🦾🦾🦾TY for sharing these videos, Great work.💯💯

[@jimmyfishburn7894]

It is about time for me to leave Maryville and head to Monterey and back up to Muddy Pond.

[@dairyfarmmidwest1615]

Bought a jar and was great

[@brentfulton3135]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍 I just Love these Good People!! Thank you John for the Awesome videos of the Guenthers!! God Bless!!

[@JansFAMBAM]

Thank you

[@dddd7934]

Just got my first jar of this sorghum and it sure is good!

[@gordiesullivan3289]

Great educational video with real nice people. Thanks again

[@rickutley931]

We will make it down to see you folks as soon as we can

[@haroldturner1946]

Best videos on KZbin thanks Jon for what you are doing for the applachian area and people

[@theappalachianchannel]

thanks for watching what we do here!

[@mikeanderson7165]

Absolutely awesome video definitely a lot work goes in to sorghum

[@joycejones4526]

Such a great video. Thank you John and Jody. I admire the Gunther family. They are amazing in keeping this tradition going. Family roots make for strong families.

[@dadu63]

I help the elliott family make sorghum in cleveland county, NC. Thanks for sharing friend.

[@shirleyann5420]

My grandmother used to get sorghum in a can with a lid sort of like a paint can. She kept it under the sink and I had to eat a tablespoon a day for iron deficiencie. That was in 1949.

[@keithaldridge8780]

Awsum as usual ❤❤❤❤

[@angelacooper4043]

I love watching the videos thx for sharing

[@hollyelliott9625]

Love this video!

[@user-no7to2jm6t]

We are coming for a visit!! 🙂

[@giuseppemannino5204]

Hello there, this gentleman should be at food Network,😮

[@rogertemple7193]

Always great to see the Guenthers and their Sorghum Family business i always enjoy seeing how Sorghum is made Thank You very much.🤠😎🇺🇲🇺🇲🥸🤓

[@albertlowe5601]

Been there many times.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you for watching my videos here on The Appalachian Channel. John Ward

[@janeylivingston3702]

My Gunther is an amazing gentleman.

[@mm2112]

I just ordered some sorghum from Muddy Pond farm. It's on Amazon..they have their baroque sauce on there too! Hopefully it is better then Maple Syrup. I'm gonna look at the cook books. Thank you John.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Sounds great!

[@RogerRamjet156]

What a great combination of old and new technology to keep a family tradition alive and well - keep up the great work! 😀It must be a long day to clean those pans when they're finished!

[@markminton8974]

Love watching this done..

[@raynonabohrer5624]

My grandma Guenther would be very proud of you all. She was from Canada. Grew up as a Funk.

[@robertpirtle3638]

Another great episode!

[@deecaliqu4733]

An amazing family. Love watching their videos. Thank you

[@williamgreen6889]

Try idaho pasture pigs, the pork is fantastic. We've been raising them for 3 years, no regrets.

[@dmerth]

Just ordered some of your product on Amazon! Sounds like I might enjoy it on some pancakes.

[@coryheckler2354]

John n Jodie, thank you for these types of video's. The history and the people involved in these videos are American Hero's in my opinion due to keeping places like the Sorghum plants, Stores, and places out of history and alive! Alot of work into making Sorghum from the field to the bottles. Been a follower for 2+ years to your channel, The Appalachian Channel. I did see the episode showing the Sorghum plant when they were having the issue with the inspector. Thanks again yall!!!

[@coryheckler2354]

John, can a guy order this Sorghum if a guy lives in Texas?

[@fatalberti]

this is awesome

[@WSseaghost110]

Lucky to run into you guys today in Wears Valley. 👍🏻

[@hollyelliott9625]

I love seeing those 3 boys of mine working so hard!

[@raven4592]

Great film John and Jodie,love the Guenther family

[@dboutdoors06]

Very informative!!! Thanks.

[@jimmymalone3494]

I really enjoyed the Guenther family thank you for sharing with us.God Bless y'all.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and keep your videos coming please.

[@albertlowe5601]

Michelle makes Fantastic fried pies yum yum!

[@anadaneen70]

Have y'all ever done a piece on ABBY the spoon lady?? If not....please do! ❤

[@thegoodfight426]

She's no longer in NC. She now lives in Kansas.

[@paulyoung5327]

Wow now that was educational, and very entertaining A great operation there on the Guenther farm. Thank you again John for showing the world the daily life of others.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christinehanna1699]

Awesome family and business,you guys should have Micah Mcgie and sons and Patara and hubby up there for a meet and greet to really amp up the business with 2 more of Tennessee's finest .. and Tiffany too ❤️

[@markminton8974]

Good People..

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS

[@nikolaidisme2072]

Beautiful video

[@theappalachianchannel]

Thank you

[@almamoore8446]

Here in Fl. I remember going to Mr. Ensor cane grinding. It was a mule who walked aroud with the pole to grind the juice into a lsrge iron pot and I remember the scream lom iron huge spoon to clean the top. Glad to see the new way to make it.

[@kenhenke3693]

Great video

[@davidvogel2592]

Pretty neat operation

[@gregwilson3371]

Can't get over the guns Darrell has!

[@normanfrazier6695]

The Guenthers are fine people,have visited with them for 2 years now

[@andrewadams488]

Growing up in east central Ohio, I was “ volunteered “ to help the neighbor cut his sorghum cane. Not really a fond memory, that is hard work. The molasses was great on pancakes. When the product was darker than normal, he would charge more for “ blackstrap “ molasses. This was in the 1960’s. Good times

[@meltcmelinda4012]

Amazing history of sorghum making. How does ones buy the product from this family ? Thanks John for bringing the old ways to us.

[@TV-qq9og]

In the past, when sorghum was cooked over a wood fire, did the smoke add flavor (god or bad) to the syrup? I love your product, your process, and this video.

[@rogerembry4777]

I worked for a company that replaced tubes in boilers it wasn’t much fun lol 😂

[@John-jg5dh]

Similar to maple syrup process up here in Ontario. 👍

[@angelahorne867]

We made homemade can syrup. No corn. Cooking very much like y’all do

[@oldfarmshow]

❤️

[@JoeDavidson-gc7zo]

I just found your channel on KZbin and I bought a small tact seeds see how it grows and everything like that more a little over 1000. I’m from Springfield Missouri get a patch of dirt that you could think will be good for me pass it along.

[@theappalachianchannel]

Welcome aboard!

[@valjalava1951]

Just found your channel very interesting never heard of this before so do you use this in place of sugar ,also I am bc Canada and do you ship I have a US post office if I could get some shipped thanks so much for sharing your videos

[@codya8684]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@donstallard8303]

Me and my family made molasses for about 12 years. I know good sorghum's when i eat them

[@welbygleebertram6651]

Watching the boys feed the boiler, I was wondering if changing to natural gas, or propane would be more economical?

[@gtm624]

Nothing beats wood. In any aspect. Wood is MUCH more cost effective, it’s sustainable, it’s perfectly good for the environment, does not require massive amounts of energy to produce which in that process produces harmful things for our environment. Using wood for a heat source is far superior to anything on the planet.

[@DAVIDZ-vk4yv]

imagine todays food inspectors making the same rules 100 years ago? or todays building inspectors? i just built a barn with FULL 2x4 and 2x6 and full 2x8 that we sawed our selves and a building inspector stopped in he was 29 years old and he could NOT figure out what the lumber was? he had to call his boss who i had to talk to. i told his boss i WANT full size lumber i pay for NOT store bought lumber where you PAY for a full size 2x4 BUT you DONT get it!

[@theappalachianchannel]

Watch all 12 Episodes of the "Meet the Guenthers From Muddy Pond" playlist at the below link. kzbin.info/aero/PLhiXVG-s0EOlg83uNT4NZ7dgvlbAFH44F&si=Aap_gJPAjAv6re33

[@LRT217]

Are any of the products available online to purchase?

[@Rebekah26320]

where can you order the syrup.

[@mattphillips4260]

i would love to buy some from you