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| With
the abundance of Maple trees and a unique climate conducive to the logistics
of extracting maple tree sap, it’s no wonder New York currently boasts
more than 2,000 maple sugar makers!
Image Courtesy of Bittersweet Maple Farm via Facebook Generally, sap is ready to flow between mid-February and mid-March, but the exact time of year depends upon location and the weather conditions. Sap begins to flow when daytime temperatures rise above freezing and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing. The rising temperature creates pressure in the tree which generates the sap flow. In Upstate New York, many of the state’s maple farms and producers begin the seasonal tradition of maple sugaring by “tapping” trees in early March. Tapping is simply the process of drilling a small hole and then lightly hammering a spout or “spile” into the tree with a bucket hooked on it to collect the running sap. The pure syrup is made by removing excess moisture from the sap by heating it which concentrates the natural sugars and nutrients made by the tree. (Interested in tapping your own syrup? You can find a great resource at https://tapmytrees.com/. As an abundant and sustainable crop, New York’s vibrant gourmet maple industry has been growing on an annual basis. Next to syrup for your pancakes and waffles, some of the delectable products farms create from the natural sweetener include maple butter, maple candy and taffy, maple liqueur, maple cream and maple sugar. And don’t forget the yummy baked goods some of the farms offer to its visitors. Every spring during two weekends in March, members of the New York State Maple Producers’ Association invite families and friends into their “sugar houses” to experience the world of pure NY maple syrup. More than 180 farms and museums across New York State open their doors on Maple Weekend to offer a delicious, fun-filled outing that will delight maple-lovers with an up-close and personal look at the maple sugaring process. (image courtesy of Schoff’s Sugar Shack Facebook) But, many of these Upstate NY maple producers are so passionate about all things maple that their doors are open during the entire tapping season to all who wish to learn the process and purchase their delicious maple offerings. And don’t forget, for most of these farms, maple products are not all they produce and sell, so you never know what other tempting items you will find from farm to farm. Can’t visit a farm? No worries, many have online shopping and shipping! Here are some of the maple farms by region. We suggest you call or visit their website for their hours of operation before planning your visit. And for all of you maple lovers living in or traveling to the Adirondack region, the American Maple Museum in Croghan is a sweet stop! Author
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