Frequently Asked Questions

1) Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Producer:
Maple Syrup Collecting and Processing (below)

2) Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Forest Owner:
Sugar Bush Management, Maple Trees, and Sap Flow (below)

3) Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Consumer:
Maple Syrup, Cream, and Candy

What is the difference between New York and Vermont maple syrup and products?
The biggest difference between New York and Vermont maple products is the label. Producers in Vermont generally bottle their syrup at a slightly higher sugar content (66.5 Brix) than producers in New York (minimum of 66 Brix although many New York producers go higher). A higher Brix reading gives the syrup a little more viscosity, which consumers generally prefer. Higher sugar content (over 67 Brix) may result in sugar crystals in the syrup.
What is the difference in syrup grade?
Maple syrup must meet exacting standards for purity. High quality Grade A syrup can be made only by the evaporation of pure maple sap, and by weight may contain no less than 66 percent sugar (Brix). Grade A maple syrup is classified according to its color. The darker the syrup, the stronger the maple taste.

New York Grade A Light Amber or Vermont Fancy—the lightest of the three classifications has a mild and delicate flavor
Medium Amber—a bit darker with a fuller flavor
Dark Amber—the darkest of the three grades has the strongest maple flavor
Grade B—sold in bulk for reprocessing and the manufacture of commercial table syrups
Does syrup grade vary for New York, Vermont, Quebec, and Ontario?
The terms used for different grade syrup vary slightly among Vermont, the rest of the US, and Canada. Following is a chart showing equivalent grades.

Canada	United States (USDA)	Vermont

No. 1 Extra Light	Grade A Light Amber	Fancy
No. 1 LightGrade A	Medium Amber	Medium Amber
No. 1 MediumGrade A	Dark Amber	Dark Amber
No. 2 Amber	Grade B for reprocessing	Grade B
No. 3 Dark		Commercial
	Substandard	Substandard

Does syrup quality vary from one region, state, or province to another?
Syrup quality is affected by weather conditions during the maple season, time during the season when the sap is collected, and processing technique. Some producers in every region consistently are able to produce light color, high quality products, but no one region is better than another.
Is maple syrup produced all through the United States? The world?
Maple syrup is produced only in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, the region in which sugar maple is found. Although maple syrup is not produced in other regions of the world, some other species of maple are tapped. For example, in Korea, people tap a maple species called Acer mono and pipe the sap from the mountains down to the village. They drink the sap but do not boil it to produce syrup. Birch trees may be tapped in Alaska and Siberia but the sap is lower in sugar content and quality than maple sap.
What is the nutritional label information for maple syrup?
Retail maple products are not generally labeled but range from 66-67% sugar content for syrup to nearly 100% sugar content for candy. None of the calories come from fat. Syrup: serving size = 4 Tablespoons (60 ml). Calories: 200; total fat 0 g, sodium 7 mg, total carbohydrates 53 g, protein 0 g
In cooking, what is the equivalent amount of maple syrup for white sugar? Can maple syrup be used as a substitute for sugar?
Maple syrup can be substituted for white sugar in cooking. Use ž cup maple syrup for 1 cup white sugar. Reduce liquid in recipe by 3 Tablespoons for each cup syrup used.
What is the shelf-life for maple products?
The shelf-life for maple syrup is about six months in the refrigerator. The shelf-life for un-coated maple candy is about two weeks on the shelf or in the refrigerator, and for coated maple candy about six months at room temperature. (Coated maple candy should not be kept in the refrigerator.) The shelf-life for maple cream is about two weeks in the refrigerator but it can be stored frozen for a long period of time.
Is the sugar in maple syrup healthier than white sugar?
The sugar in maple syrup is sucrose and invert sugar. White sugar is sucrose, whereas invert sugar is a breakdown product of sucrose. There is no evidence that maple syrup is healthier than white sugar.
Is maple syrup organic?
The overwhelming majority of maple syrup is produced in forests where no herbicides or pesticides have been applied. Therefore, most maple syrup would be considered organic.
What is required for syrup to be labeled "organic?"
The requirements are stated by the particular organic certification organization, but generally state no use of substances (for example, fertilizers or pesticides) in the production process that would alter the pure nature of maple syrup.
How long have people been producing maple syrup from sap?
Native Americans produced maple syrup before Europeans arrived in North America.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Forest Owner:
Sugar Bush Management, Maple Trees, and Sap Flow

How many taps should you have on a maple tree?
A healthy tree 10-17 inches in diameter (31-53 inch circumference) should have no more than one tap. A tree 18-24 inches in diameter (57-75 inch circumference) should have no more than two taps. A tree larger than 25 inches in diameter (79-inch circumference) should have no more than three taps.

How much sap does a single tree produce in one year, on average?
The volume of sap produced during one season varies from 10-20 gallons per tap, depending on the tree, weather conditions, length of the sap season, and method of collecting sap. Producers using gravity lines or buckets generally get 10-14 gallons of sap per forest-grown tree. Using buckets on roadside trees or using vacuum tubing yields 15-20 gallons per tap. A single tree can have one, two, or three taps, depending on size and health.

At what age does the quantity of the sap begin to slow down?
As long as the tree remains healthy, it should continue to produce sap. Some trees have been know to produce sap for several farm family generations, over 100 years.

Does tapping a tree affect the health of the tree in any way?
A healthy, undamaged tree that is tapped according to the guidelines provided in Maple Syrup Production for the Beginner by Anni Davenport and Lewis Staats (also available through your local Cooperative Extension office) will not suffer adverse health effects and will remain productive.

Do the leaves of trees that have been tapped turn before those that haven’t been tapped?
No, only trees that are stressed for various health reasons (for example, fungal disease or drought) will turn colors first.

How many trees would I need to produce 30 gallons of syrup per year?
This will vary depending on sugar content and size of the trees. Let’s say you have trees that average 2% sugar content and you have trees large enough for two taps per tree. Using the "Rule of 86," you know that the number of gallons of sap you need to produce one gallon of syrup is equal to 86 divided by the percent sugar of 43 gallons of sap.

Rule of 86

Gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup = 86 / % sugar content in sap.

Gallons of sap = 86/2

Gallons of sap = 43

Therefore, to produce 30 gallons of syrup, you need 1290 gallons of sap (30 X 43).

For example, consider a sugar bush containing trees with two taps per tree, each tap producing 10 gallons of sap, or 20 gallons of sap per tree. To get the number of trees necessary to produce 30 gallons of syrup, divide 1290 gallons of sap by 20 gallons of sap per tree. This is about 65 trees.

# of trees = total gallons of sap / gallons of sap per tree

# of trees = 1290/20

# of trees ~ 65

Is the sap of different maples (for example, sugar, red, Norway) different?
The sugar content of sugar maple sap is higher than the sap of other maples. Sugar maple also produces syrup with the most pleasing flavor. Once buds develop on the trees in the spring, syrup develops an unpleasant "buddy" flavor. Sugar maple has the longest period of sap flow before buds develop.

At what age should a stand of maple trees be thinned?
The sapling stage is ideal for thinning maple trees as younger trees are vigorous and respond to thinning dramatically. Thus, if a stand is thinned at the sapling stage, the trees will reach tapping size at a young age and with wide, deep crowns necessary for maximum sap production.

What is the best spacing for maple trees in the woods to maximize tree health and sap production?
The best spacing is about one tree in an area measuring 30 feet x 30 feet, or 50-60 mature trees per acre. Initially, a maple grower may start with a higher density of trees but will thin several times to achieve a final density of 50-60 trees per acre.

Does tapping a tree change the value of the tree for lumber?
The bottom 4-6 feet or tapping zone will be reduced in value by defects associated with tapping. Above this zone, the quality of the wood will not be affected by tapping.

What size should a tree be before tapping?
A tree should be 10 to 12 inches in diameter when measured 4.5 feet above ground level.

Why do sugar maples produce the best syrup?
Sugar maple trees generally have sap with higher sugar content and produce better flavored syrup than other maple species. Although no one knows the exact reason for the higher sugar content, scientists suggest it may be related to the structure of the wood. The sugar is stored in the wood.

Where does the sugar come from?
Sugar is produced in the leaves during photosynthesis. It is transported into the wood and stored during the winter, mostly in the form of carbohydrates. It is then converted to sucrose and dissolved in the sap.

What makes the sap rise?
During warm periods when temperatures rise above freezing, pressure develops in the tree. This pressure causes the sap to flow out of the tree through a wound or tap hole. During cooler periods when temperatures fall below freezing, suction develops, drawing water into the tree. This replenishes the sap in the tree, allowing it to flow again during the next warm period.

Sap flows through a portion of the outer tree trunk called sapwood. Sapwood consists of actively growing cells that conduct water and nutrients (sap) from the roots to the branches of the tree. During the day, activity in the cells of sapwood produces carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is released to the intercellular spaces in the sapwood. In addition, carbon dioxide that was dissolved in the cool sap is released into the spaces between the cells. Both of these sources of carbon dioxide cause pressure to build up in the cells. A third source of pressure is called osmotic pressure, which is caused by the presence of sugar and other substances dissolved in the sap. When the tree is wounded, as when it is tapped by a maple producer, the pressure forces the sap out of the tree. At night or during other times when temperatures go below freezing, the carbon dioxide cools and therefore contracts. Some of the carbon dioxide also becomes dissolved in the cooled sap. Finally, some of the sap freezes. All three of these factors create suction in the tree. This causes water from the soil to be drawn up into the roots and travel up through the sapwood. When temperatures rise above freezing the next day, sap flow begins again.

Why does the sap stop rising?
Once temperatures no longer fluctuate between freezing at night and thawing during the day, sap stops flowing.

Why do sugar maple trees vary in sweetness?
Genetics and the environment both affect sap sweetness. Some trees have one or more genes that cause sweeter sap. Environmental factors including weather, the site on which the tree is growing, and whether the tree is growing in the open or surrounded by other trees all affect sap sweetness.

Will fertilizing maple trees make sweeter sap?
We do not know the answer to this question. We plan to undertake a small research project to answer this question in the near future. You may want to try your own experiment to answer this question.

Why does sweetness vary from year to year?
Sap sweetness has been observed to be lower in years following a growing season when conditions were unfavorable for production of sugar through photosynthesis. For example, if a stand is attacked one year by insects that defoliate the maple trees, the next year’s sap would be expected to be low in sugar. Some scientists have speculated that a vigorously growing tree might use up so much of the sugar produced by the leaves that it would have a lower sugar content the following year.

Does vacuum tubing take too much sap from the tree?
No, properly installed vacuum tubing does not harm a tree.

Reference used in answering FAQs:
North American Sugar Producers Manual. 1996. Edited by: M.R. Koelling and R.B. Heiligmann. Ohio State University Extension, Bulletin 856.

This section was written by Marianne Krasny. Contributors to this section include: Laurel Gailor, Bob Beyfus, Lewis Staats, and Charles Winship

Frequently Asked Questions for the Maple Producer:
Maple Syrup Collecting and Processing

When maple producers discuss the conversion of sap to syrup they use the word "Brix". What is Brix?
Brix is a measure of the density of syrup. Although density is related to sugar content, the Brix value is not the true percentage of sugar in a solution that contains sugar plus other solids (for example, minerals in maple syrup). Rather, the Brix value indicates what the percentage sugar would be if the density of the solution were due only to dissolved sugar. However, because 98 percent of the dissolved solids in syrup are sugar, the Brix value is a good approximation of the percent sugar in the syrup.
What is the average start-up cost for equipment in a small scale ("hobby") production?
Let’s assume you plan on 150 taps (about 40-50 gallons of syrup) and are starting out with new equipment. We will also assume you have a building to use as a sugar house. The approximate costs are:

Equipment	Cost
Evaporator, wood fired	$1995
Tubing, $4 per tap X 150 taps	$600
Tubing washer	$200
Gasoline-powered tapper	$400
300-gallon plastic storage tank	$410
Filter material	$50
Accessories/miscellaneous	$300
TOTAL	$4000

Now assume that you sell the 40 to 50 gallons of syrup at $32 per gallon for a total revenue of $1300 to $1600 for the year. Then assume a 50% gross profit or $800 per year. The break even cash flow year is $4000/$800 = year 5. Not really a good deal if your only reason for going into the maple business is profit! Used equipment would reduce the capital cost by 30 to 75%.

How many taps would I need to produce 20 gallons of syrup per year?
A rule of thumb is 1/3 gallon of syrup per tap. Thus, you would need about 60 taps to produce 20 gallons of syrup.
What size evaporator pan do I need for different amounts of sap?
When deciding on the size of an evaporator, the maple producer should consider the amount of sap to be processed, how quickly the sap will be processed, amount of time available to process the sap in any one day, future plans, and amount of capital available. For example, if a producer has a 1200 tap sugarbush that will produce 1 gallon per tap in a good year, wants to process all the sap the day it is collected, and has 10 hours in the day to process sap, he or she can estimate the size of the evaporator as follows:

Number of sap gallons in run = 1200 taps x 1 gallon/tap = 1200 gallons
Time available for boiling sap = 10 hours
Evaporating capacity required = 120 gallons of sap/hour

The producer can then contact a maple equipment dealer to determine the optimal evaporator size. Evaporator size varies from 2 feet x 6 feet and a capacity of 25 gallons per hour, to 6 feet x 18 feet and a capacity of 380 gallons per hour.
What is the basic equipment that someone needs to get started in maple production?
The equipment needed depends on whether you are producing maple syrup for home or commercial use. For home use, you will want to have the following:

Carpenter’s hand brace or breast drill with 7/16 inch diameter drill bit
Spile (or spout), metal or plastic for each taphole
Bucket with cover, plastic sap collection bag, or plastic tubing (all food grade)
Collection or storage containers, such as plastic or metal trash cans (several gallons in capacity and leak-free) for sap storage before processing. Storage capacity of 1-2 gallons for each tap.
Pan with high sides and a heat source for boiling sap. Stainless steel with lead-free solder or welded seams strongly suggested. Heat source can be wood fire, propane, or camp stove.
Thermometer calibrated to at least 30^oF above boiling point of water. Kitchen or candy thermometers may be adequate but must be easily readable above 200^oF.
Filter for filtering hot finished syrup (food quality)
Containers for storage of the finished product (canning jars, syrup jugs, etc.)

Many of these supplies should be available from a local hardware store in maple producing regions. Used equipment may be for sale in classified ads in newspapers or agricultural circulars.

For a commercial operation, contact a maple equipment dealer. If you are having difficulties locating a dealer, contact your local Cooperative Extension office.

Are there any maple groups or associations that I might join to find out more about maple syrup?
Yes, most states have county, regional, and state associations. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office if you do not know the local contact.
Where can I purchase equipment to produce maple syrup?
You can purchase equipment from maple equipment dealers such as Waterloo/Small, Leader Evaporator, G.H. Grimm, or Dominion & Grimm. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for help finding these companies or look them up on the Internet.
What are the different methods for collecting sap?
Sap is collected using buckets or tubing. Flow through tubing can be by gravity or enhanced through the use of vacuum.
What is the most cost efficient fuel for producing sap? (Wood, oil, coal, propane?)
Fuel oil.
How many years will an evaporator last?
Decades if used properly.
What is the best container to put maple products in and why?
Plastic containers are inexpensive but allow some gas exchange that causes decreases in syrup quality. Syrup in plastic containers will degrade (change color) about one grade after 3 to 6 months of storage. Syrup stored in plastic containers should be refrigerated. Glass is more expensive and breakable but retains quality longer. Tin was used commonly in the past and is still used to attract traditional consumers.
How many gallons of sap are needed to produce one gallon of syrup?
This will vary depending on sugar content of the sap. The "Rule of 86" is used to calculate the gallons of sap needed to produce one gallon of syrup. It states that the number of gallons of sap you need to produce one gallon of syrup is equal to 86 divided by the percent sugar.

Rule of 86

Gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup = 86 / % sugar content in sap.

For example, you would need 43 gallons of sap with 2% sugar content to produce one gallon of syrup.

What process causes sap to become syrup?
During evaporation, sap is concentrated to the desired sugar content and the distinctive maple color and flavor also develop. Chemical changes that occur during heating cause the color and flavor to develop.

Boiling time and microorganisms in the sap cause syrup to darken. Reducing boiling time and killing microorganisms through UV treatment can help to produce lighter colored syrup.

The development of flavors is not well understood, but it is thought that amino acids in the sap play an important role.
Does a high sugar content change the boiling time? By how much?
Yes, the higher the sugar concentration of the sap, the less water that needs to be removed to make syrup. Each time you double the sap sugar concentration, you cut in half the amount of water that needs to be removed and the boiling time. For example, sap with 4% sugar requires half the boiling time of sap with 2% sugar to produce syrup. (You need 21 ˝ gallons of 4% sap and 43 gallons of 2% sap to produce a gallon of syrup.)
Are the evaporator units constructed the same for different fuels?
Pans are generally the same design (except for differences between different manufacturers). The arch, which is the structure that supports the pan and contains the combustion chamber, is designed specifically for the type of fuel.
Does a producer need to register with any government agency in order to produce or sell maple products?
No, registration is not currently required to produce maple syrup. Those selling maple products must label them with proper grade and name and address of producer. There are different labeling regulations for each state. Contact your local Cooperative Extension office or state Department of Agriculture and Markets to obtain copies of the regulations for labeling maple products.
How can I best market maple products?
Individual producers have come up with many creative ways to market maple products. Visit local producers, farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and the Internet to get ideas.
What causes syrup to have a musty or moldy flavor or smell?
Syrup that is improperly packed will mold, sour, or ferment. Syrup must be packed at 180^oF and at a minimum of 66 Brix to avoid spoilage.
What are the "rock" crystals sometimes found in the bottom of a syrup container?
Sugar crystals will precipitate from syrup that has too high a density (over 67 Brix).
Do all containers need to be labeled showing who produced the syrup if they are sold in a store?
Yes.
How long does it take to boil one gallon of sap to syrup?
This depends on the size and efficiency of the evaporator. A small evaporator (2 feet x 6 feet) may boil 25 gallons per hour and a large evaporator (6 feet x 18 feet) 380 gallons per hour.
How long does the sugaring season usually last?
The length of the sap season varies depending on the temperature. An average sap season is about six weeks.
Is it cost effective to produce value-added products like cream and sugar?
Yes, if produced in sufficient quantities and marketed to achieve maximum profit.
Can syrup be reheated once it has been containerized?
Syrup is reheated when it is removed from bulk containers for packaging into retail containers. If a consumer finds bacteria, mold, or yeast growth on syrup he or she has purchased, he or she should remove the visible growth and reheat the syrup to a minimum of 180^oF (do not boil), skim any visible growth, filter, and repackage the syrup. If syrup still has an off-flavor, it should be discarded. Also, the sugar content may increase causing sugar crystals to form.
How does a producer determine when he or she should upgrade equipment or increase the size of the operation?
When markets outstrip production or when current production requires long work hours. Larger or more efficient equipment can reduce the hours and fuel required to produce syrup.
Why is maple syrup different colors?
The color in maple syrup results from a browning reaction that occurs during the latter stages of evaporation. Sap that is boiled longer makes a darker colored syrup. Therefore, anything that slows the evaporation process, such as uneven or weak fire, an inefficient evaporator, or too much sap in the evaporator, will cause dark syrup. Because color develops during the latter stages of boiling sap, it is particularly important to reduce processing time as the sap approaches syrup. Microorganisms in sap can also cause darkening. Sap flowing into the sap house can be treated with UV light to kill the microorganisms. Sap should be processed as soon as possible after collection to reduce the potential for microorganisms and thus reduce the quality of syrup produced.

Syrup may also darken during storage. To prevent darkening, hot syrup that has just been put into containers should be allowed to cool before the containers are packed close together. Gas exchange during storage can also cause syrup to darken.