Since syrup season is almost here now is the perfect time to learn how to tap a maple tree. Being able to make your own syrups is a great hobby and if done on a larger scale can be a great side business to your homestead. Don’t worry if you do not have maple trees on your property as shown in the video above; according to wildfoodism.com there are many different species of trees that you can tap.
- Boxelder
- Gorosoe
- Butternut
- Black walnut
- Heartnut
- Birch
- Sycamore
- Ironwood
Each one has different levels of sugar content though and the amount of sap needed can vary greatly. For example; with birch sap you may need over 100 gallons to produce one gallon of syrup. Since sap can spoil very quickly you need to boil it in a timely manner. Below is a great tutorial from Autonomy Acres on building a simple evaporator from a barrel. Good luck with your sugarin’ season this year!
Back Yard Maple Sugarin’: Part 1
Backyard Sugarin’: A Complete How-To Guide, Third Edition
This little book swept maple sugarin’ buffs off their feet when it first appeared and is still the top-selling guide to the craft after nearly 30 years in print. Like the previous editions, this one tells you how you can make maple syrup right in your own backyard without having to build a sap house or buy buckets, holding tanks, evaporators and other expensive paraphernalia. Provides detailed “how-to” information, and makes some new and noteworthy revelations
