Setting Up a Sugar Shack and Collecting Maple Sap

Reader Contribution by Julie Fryer
1 / 3
2 / 3
3 / 3

Tapping time is finally here! I’ve currently got 8 taps in my trees and the temperature range here in Minnesota is absolutely perfect for the sap run. (If you recall from my last blog, Tapping Maple Trees: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your Own Maple Syrup, that’s temperatures that create a daily freeze/thaw cycle of cold nights and warm days). So, now what do we do with all that sap? With my 8 taps, I can expect to collect almost 100 gallons of sap this season – which means it’s time to have a plan for collecting, storing, and boiling. Before bringing home that first bucket of sap, though, we need to make sure you have everything in place so you can start cooking. And the best part? Now you get to call yourself a sugar maker and create your very own sugar shack!

This article will show you how to collect, filter, and store your sap prior to boiling plus how to get your cooking area ready to go for the big day. Keep in mind, though, that once things start running, these sugar-making steps all intertwine and after the first few days, you’ll be collecting and boiling all at the same time.

Essential Sugar-Making Tools

Maple sap starts out as 98-percent water and 2-percent sugar. Your job as a sugar maker is to boil away this water and concentrate that delicious sugar. Because the process relies on evaporation, the more surface area you can create for boiling, the faster the process will be. Additionally, a slow consistent heat source that creates a gentle rolling boil will prevent foam-ups and scorching. For these reasons, many sugar makers prefer a shallow pan or large kettle over a wood fire for the first stages of boiling. This is commonly called an evaporator and the pans are called evaporator pans. Most people also choose to boil their sap outside or in a dedicated shed because tiny bits of sugar are carried off with the steam and everything around your cooking area will become sticky!

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368