The first FurryCreek Farm batch of maple syrup has been completed and I do not know what to think!
With the help of Gary Backlund our friend and neighbor, we put a dozen spiles in to several of our Maple Trees. After a short cold snap below zero degrees the sap began to flow as it warmed up. After two days, Gary and I went around collecting approximately five gallons of sap. I was pumped! The sap was put into two of our largest pots and brought to a boil on the kitchen stove. As the levels in the pots were reduced, I continued to add sap till it was all boiling. This was started before noon and by 7:00 pm I poured off the remaining 4 cups of sap, putting it into a roasting pan. The pan was put into the oven at 275 degrees and at 9:30 pm I poured off two final cups of golden brown syrup and placed it into the fridge.
With the help of Gary Backlund our friend and neighbor, we put a dozen spiles in to several of our Maple Trees. After a short cold snap below zero degrees the sap began to flow as it warmed up. After two days, Gary and I went around collecting approximately five gallons of sap. I was pumped! The sap was put into two of our largest pots and brought to a boil on the kitchen stove. As the levels in the pots were reduced, I continued to add sap till it was all boiling. This was started before noon and by 7:00 pm I poured off the remaining 4 cups of sap, putting it into a roasting pan. The pan was put into the oven at 275 degrees and at 9:30 pm I poured off two final cups of golden brown syrup and placed it into the fridge.
The next morning Gary came by with his Refractometer and and tested the syrup. 45% sugar content, so back into the oven to further reduce it to the 66.5% sugar content required for good maple syrup. Prior to the oven the precious liquid was run through a coffee filter making it totally clear.
Several hours later I removed it from the oven and poured it from the pan into the measuring cup. I have exactly 5/8th of a cup of syrup from the original 5 gallons of sap. After a day and a half, I have enough syrup for one batch of pancakes.
Several hours later I removed it from the oven and poured it from the pan into the measuring cup. I have exactly 5/8th of a cup of syrup from the original 5 gallons of sap. After a day and a half, I have enough syrup for one batch of pancakes.
The first batch of Maple Syrup is now all gone.
Hmm Hmm good!!!
Hmm Hmm good!!!