Resource type: Practical Skills

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Identifying and Preventing Maple Syrup Off-Flavors

Maple syrup has a unique flavor that sets it apart from other specialty foods. Its characteristic for exhibiting different subtle flavors depending on where it was produced, and, at times, how it was produced make it a product that everyone, regardless of their taste preferences, can enjoy. However, this characteristic also makes syrup flavor susceptable to flavors that are not conisdered typical. These off-flavors can occur anywhere from the tree to the containers. Not only do production methods affect the flavor, but Mother Nature has a hand in it too. Following are some common off-flavors that have been encountered, their likely causes, and ways to avoid these problems.

Publication:
Maple Syrup Digest
Date:
February 1, 2017

Sweet Signs Help with Marketing

Research shows that signs are the most effective means of communication. This article offers tips on how to make the best signs to attract people to your sugarhouse.

Publication:
Maple Syrup Digest
Date:
February 1, 2017

Maintaining a Healthy Sugarbush

A sugarbush is a special type of woodland. Woodlands include a complex mixture of natural processes and attributes such as soil type, elevation, tree species, types of wildlife, history of use, tree age and more. Foresters can help maple producers gain an in-depth understanding of these factors to achieve a healthy and productivity sugarbush, but there are several steps a maple producer can take on their own.

Date:
January 2, 2017

Ask Proctor

Filtering syrup in small batches is a huge pain. Any advice on how to make it easier?

Publication:
Maple Syrup Digest
Date:
December 1, 2016

Maple’s Changing Story

Why and how maple producers can shape their stories to connect with potential customers.

Publication:
Maple Syrup Digest
Date:
December 1, 2016

Assessing the Commercial Potential of a Site for Maple Sap Collection

These 9 variables are intended to help a potential commercial maple producer evaluate the relative merits of one or more selected woods for profitable maple production. A poor or medium rating does not mean that the woods should not be tapped but that production costs in money or labor will likely be higher or greater investments will be necessary to allow the sap collection to be established relative to other sites. Some problems may be avoided if the potential producer is a creative problem solver. Small-scale producers and hobby producers have less emphasis on financial return, so these variables are relevant but perhaps not weighted as heavily.

Date:
October 18, 2016

Assessing the Commercial Potential of a Site for Maple Sap Collection

These 9 variables are intended to help a potential commercial maple producer evaluate the relative merits of one or more selected woods for profitable maple production. A poor or medium rating does not mean that the woods should not be tapped but that production costs in money or labor will likely be higher or greater investments will be necessary to allow the sap collection to be established relative to other sites. Some problems may be avoided if the potential producer is a creative problem solver. Small-scale producers and hobby producers have less emphasis on financial return, so these variables are relevant but perhaps not weighted as heavily.

Date:
October 18, 2016