Counting Sugar Makers
Analysis of the 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture’s report on the maple industry.
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Showing 211 – 220 of 378 resources
Cloudiness’ effect on refractometer measurements
Accurately measuring density is critical to the production of pure maple syrup. This article explores how impurities in syrup can affect the accuracy of tools used to measure density.
Collect More Sap Without Vacuum Pumps
Using 3/16″ tubing can create non-mechanical vacuum that can increase sap yield.
Population dynamics of sugar maple through the southern portion of its range: implications for range migration
The range of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) is expected to shift northward in accord with changing climate. However, a pattern of increased sugar maple abundance has been reported from sites throughout the eastern US. The goal of our study was to examine the stability of the sugar maple southern range boundary by analyzing its demography through the southern extent of its distribution. We analyzed changes in sugar maple basal area, relative frequency, relative density, relative importance values, diameter distributions, and the ratio of sapling biomass to total sugar maple biomass at three spatial positions near the southern boundary of the speciesÕ range using forest inventory data from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program over a 20 year observation period (1990Ð2010).
Crown Release Equals More and Sweeter Sap
Have you ever wondered why open grown trees produce more and sweeter sap than the ones growing close to each other? To answer these questions, I would like to share with you from my 37 years of experience in forest management.
Microbial Contamination in Maple Syrup
Occasionally, maple syrup becomes contaminated with floating masses or surface mold. Conventional practices have been to discard obvious mold growths, re-boil and then consume the syrup. This practice may be risky, especially with the increasing number of food borne illness outbreaks with other food products and the resulting negative publicity surrounding these outbreaks.
A New Take on Sap Collection
A new method of gathering sap from sugar maple saplings is being tested.
Energy Efficiency in the Sugarhouse
Boiling syrup is energy intensive, but there are ways for sugarmakers to calcuate and improve their energy use.
How Many Taps?
Tapping guidelines written by state regulators haven’t always kept pace with changes in industry practices or understanding of the science of sap flow, and researchers are working to update tapping guidelines.
Preventing mould in packed maple syrup
Preventing mould in packed maple syrup can be a challenge. Cold-packing syrup usually guarantees mould will grow in bottled containers and can impart off-flavour in the syrup. Maple researchers at the University of Maine and at Carleton University in Ontario are investigating whether current hot packing recommendations require refinement to preserve quality and prevent mould in syrup.