Cornell Cooperative Extension
Maple Syrup Production Videos

Travel with Cornell maple specialist Lewis Staats through the sugar bush to the sugar house and learn how to collect sap and produce maple syrup efficiently. The information presented in these videos will be useful to experienced maple producers as well as hobbyists and new producers.

Maple Sap Processing: Converting Sap to Syrup for a Quality Product (26 min)
In the third video in the maple series, CCE maple species Lewis Staats shows how to obtain the highest quality product with the greatest efficiency. He also discusses the sugar house: cost and site, including construction, sap storage, safety, and a look to the future for possible expansion. Maple producers join Staats to discuss the size and types of evaporators and equipment. Reverse osmosis, vapor compression evaporation, and preheaters are covered. Energy-efficient improvement shown include heat exchangers, arch and pan gaskets, insulating blankets, and forced draft. Also discussed are how to reduce the risk of scorching, sap feed lines, target thermometers versus automatic draw-off, grade, density, flavor, and record keeping.

Sugar Bush Management: A Guide to Improve Sap Production (20 min)

Proper sugar bush management will result in faster-growing sugar maple trees that produce more sap over a longer period of time. Cornell Cooperative Extension maple specialist Lewis Staats encourages large, deep crowns on trees and points out the critical differences between sugar and red maple trees. The video covers cull tree removal techniques, timing of thinning, selection of best growing sites, logging-road construction, tips on safety, and tapping for optimal results.

Maple Sap Production: From Tree to Collection Tank (30 min)The method of sap collection can dictate the quality of the resulting product. Lewis Staats, Cornell maple specialist, takes viewers on a tour of sap collection in the sugar bush. Tubing, as research shows, involves less investment in equipment and labor and provides more return than bucket collection. Staats summarizes site evaluation, mapping for lateral and main lines, and correct tapping techniques. Artificial and natural vacuum systems are discussed. Sap storage, collection system fittings, support wire, shut-off valves, and tools needed for efficient and proper installation, maintenance quality control, and safety are covered. The information in this program is designed to help novice and experience maple producers obtain maximum sap yield.

Ordering

To order a CCE video, email or call 607-254-6556.