We tapped 2 maple trees in our yard this year to collect sap. This is a super fun project for the kids. They get off the bus and run to the buckets to see what has dripped in during the day. This Syrup is the best you will ever have!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: keep in mind it takes about 40 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
In 4 days we collected 6 gallons (after losing a gallon to a bucket falling off the tree because of the wind).
Today I decided to process what we have so we can prepare over the next few days to boil a few more gallons before the season is over. The best time to collect the sap is when the days are sunny and above freezing temperatures yet the night is below freezing. The season may be short or long. You will know it’s over when the sap stops dripping from your tree.
We bring the sap in and pour it through a mesh strainer lined double with cheesecloth. This filters out the impurities.
You are left with clear pure sap. The best way to store it is to keep it in cold temperatures until you are ready to boil it. I store it in the refrigerator.
When you have enough to boil, fill the pot and bring it to a rolling boil. NOTE: this throws off humidity and will fill the whole house. I open a few windows and don’t mind the humidity as it feels tropical!
The sap will boil down and each time add more to fill the pot using all the sap you have collected. I started with 3 gallons in our bucket and boiled 6 gallons over the course of 6 hours. I also scoop out the foam every once in a while.
The sap will begin to turn a light amber color. When you get to this point it’s important to continue boiling until the syrup begins to foam. That is when you know it’s ready.
It’s a darker color and will thicken.
Remove from the heat and strain again through the cheesecloth into your mason jar or container you are using to store it in.
You can cover it tightly after cool and store for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. You can also can it (I personally have never done that but there are directions all over the internet).
Our 6 gallons yielded 1 pint of syrup but the tween queen had to have a separate container she could eat with a spoon before I could get it all in the jar for a picture!
INSTRUCTIONS:
Collect sap
Strain through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator
TO MAKE SYRUP:
Fill a large pot with the sap and bring to a boil
When it boils down keep adding the rest of your sap until it’s all in the pot
Continue boiling stirring once in a while and removing the foam when needed
Test to see if it has turned a light amber color after it has boiled down the final time
Continue boiling until the sap is beginning to boil and foam, is darker in color and is slightly thicker
Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth into the container you are storing it in
Let cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months
chase n chance ranch 
very cool
So cool!!
Maple syrup is 100% natural sweetener that is claimed to be more nutritious and healthier than sugar.
I can taste it now. When we are in Maine, we get the real thing which is ever so much better than what is bought at the store.
wow i would love to do this with the few old maples we have .. I love maple syrup..c
It’s a lot of fun but you have to get started before the season is over
We are sugaring too. We have finished 2 gallons from our three trees. We do all of ours outside. Thanks you so much for sharing on the (mis)Adventures Mondays Blog Hop. I look forward to seeing what you share this week!
This is great! I’m always amazed at how much sap it takes to make syrup! Thanks for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop!