TGIF POSBANG - Big Ten Tournament Edition!

Submitted by UM Griff on
One more regular season game, and we are into the Big Ten Tournament! Let’s have some turtle soup as our appetizer for bigger things......Go Blue!!

A2YpsiBlue

February 23rd, 2018 at 10:25 AM ^

We have 15 taps and have gathered well over 1/2 gallon of syrup from a few runs - one at the end of January and two so far in February.  This week I've already collected 25 gallons of sap and will probably have close to that same amount by the time Sunday rolls around for a boil.  Since the ratio is 40-1 sap to syrup, that should get me a full gallon more of syrup.  I cover the buckets pretty well but I'm sure there is some rain water in there but I bet I'll still get a full gallon this weekend.

As you may know, the day on the calendar isn't so important as having temps go above & below freezing to trigger the sap flow.  My understanding is the big sap farms start putting in their taps in January so they are ready whenever the weather goes above freezing.  I know you are farther north than I am so you may not have had as many good days.

Gotta say, maple syrup is delicious!

xtramelanin

February 23rd, 2018 at 10:42 AM ^

and the days go longer obviously as you get into mrach.  that helps with sap production. i think the most syrup we've ever gotten is around 60 gallons.  we work with one of our neighbors and that helps collection efforts. it helps having a lot of kids,too.  they can fetch a lot of buckets all day long....

A2YpsiBlue

February 23rd, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^

My kids are 7, 5, and 2 (with another on the way) so they aren't much good for getting the buckets yet but they do love to come along.  We've gotten about 60 gallons already this year and expect to get a bunch more.  I hope so, anyway!  :)  Having 2-3 days above freezing has given us some good runs already & putting the taps on the south side of the trees helps, too.  We went to a local bakery & bought 5 gallon buckets for them on the cheap which has been great for collecting & storing the sap until we can boil it.  

Here is a video of my setup:  https://www.instagram.com/p/BegbALgBCisyz1G8h7-NyLFx-RANpyiksyuoU40/

 

xtramelanin

February 23rd, 2018 at 12:50 PM ^

our reduction ratio like yours.  love the picture.  your 7 yr old is getting to the prime age to help with many of the labor issues with syrup, and the 5 yr old will hopefully tag along and try to outdo the 7 yr old.   have a great ;boil and tell us how it goes. 

oh yeah, congrats on child #4. Lord willing arriving safe and sound (and maize and blue).  

A2YpsiBlue

February 23rd, 2018 at 1:10 PM ^

Thank you, good sir.  60 gallons of SYRUP, not sap, is no joke!  Very impressive.  We don't make enough to sell it but it sure is enough to enjoy it. :)  My 7 year old is great for entertaining the 2 year old and she is a help for other things when she feels like it!  My 5 year old son is a really hard worker and I'm sure he'll be awesome for many years to come. 

Best of luck to you & yours, as well!

SD Larry

February 23rd, 2018 at 9:18 AM ^

Michigan basketball is ascending.  Going to be an exciting finish to the basketball season and spring is just around the corner.  Bang bang and Go Blue !