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Does the early syrup taste any different from the later stuff or is it all the same?
Does the early syrup taste any different from the later stuff or is it all the same?
We do it just for fun and in small batches. I think the most I have ever done in one run was about 1.5 gals. Because we do it in small batches, there is a significant difference in early and late for us. Early it is usually lighter in color and taste. In the end it is very dark and maply. It varies every year. It is a combination of temps sap is stored at, amount of sugar and minerals in the sap, how long it is boiled etc. Larger commercial companies blend to maintain consistency and meet commercial grade requirements. Also a lot of times the early sap is higher in sugars so your yield is better.
It really varies by the year. Some years I get all types of grade A and others I get some A and good amount of B. I like the grade b much more as it has a much stronger maple flavor. That bottle in the picture was grade A medium amber.Your bottle in the picture is the early batch syrup? Is that correct? Generally sweeter?
My wife mocks me because when we go to breakfast at the place that serves the hash that she prefers, I bring my own bottle of syrup. The only serve the fake crap. I expect it of Mc D's, but any restaurant that actually prepares breakfast foods should have it as an offering.
I love seeing steam bellowing out of my sugar house.
If that ain't America... I don't know what is.
~Matt
Edit: Please tell my the sap is brought to the shed on horse-drawn sled...
I decided to put my taps up tommorow (175) and go for broke. I sugar as a hobby but my goal is to make 30 gallons of syrup this season. Some pictures for you pleasure.
I put a few taps in this week but am resisting the temptation to do the rest. I'll boil a small batch of sap tomorrow. First time for us so were excited nonetheless
Pics or it didn't happen. LolBoiled it down yesterday with my daughter and just enjoyed our first batch with this morning's breakfast. Watching the color change and then the consistency was neat although I need to get a better filtering setup as the first pass through the "filter" still had lots of niter in it. Looking forward to continuing it.