Showing 41 – 50 of 213 resources

Maple: A Sap to Syrup Guide: A Manual for Career and Technical Centers of Vermont

This manual was developed primarily for use by Vermont Career and Technical Center educators and students. It can be used as a reference as students learn about aspects of sugarbush management and syrup production. Biology, chemistry, math, history, and the culture of maple syrup making can enrich the educational experience as well as provide technical skills for students interested in working in the maple industry. The overall goal of the manual is to create consistency in the sugaring techniques that are taught throughout Vermont and as a guide to prepare students for the Vermont Maple Career Development Event. This manual can also be a valuable resource for anyone interested in sugaring, from the back-yard sugar maker to a new employee joining an established maple syrup producer.

Proctor Maple Research Center Update 

Dr. Tim Perkins, Director of UVM’s Proctor Maple Research Center, shares a review of the past year at PMRC and a collection of recent findings on topics related to sap and syrup production.

Keys to High Yield 

Actual yields in many maple operations are often lower than those achievable under optimum conditions. Dr. Abby van den Berg, Research Associate Professor with UVM’s Department of Plant Biology and Proctor Maple Research Center, presents practices to narrow this gap, from tree to sugarhouse.

Maple Tele-Medicine: What is Making my Syrup Taste Sick? 

Most people recognize good tasting syrup and many can pick out when syrup tastes off, but occasionally there is a flavor that is not easily identified. Mark Isselhardt, UVM Extension, and Henry Mackres, retired Vermont Chief of Consumer Protection, discuss syrup flavors (and off-flavors) and sample syrup sent in advance of the session for diagnoses.

Allergens and Maple Syrup Production

Processing maple syrup into value-added products can increase product diversity, sales and producer profits. When considering the variety of potential value-added products, such as salad dressings, coated nuts, seasoning products, and sauces, it is important to evaluate the ingredients for their allergen risk potential and add the proper allergen statements to food product labels. This will ensure that you produce quality products and protect potentially susceptible consumers.

Grade Blending: A New Calculator to Get Blended Syrup in Grade

The Cornell Maple Program has developed a new, user-friendly tool to calculate how much of each syrup you would need to blend. This calculator will only help sugarmakers using digital light meters that give the percentage of light transmittance (%Tc) through your syrup.

State Regulations for Maple Production

Cottage food laws vary considerably from state to state, and are generally intended to be a way for small farmers and food processors to establish small businesses offering value-added food products. Some states require food producers to pay a fee, obtain a permit or license, or register with the town, county or state. Periodic health inspections of home kitchens and even product testing may also be required depending on location.

Filtering Maple Syrup

Methods, tips, and hints to properly filter maple syrup to achieve clarity.