How to Make Maple Syrup and 3 Maple-Infused Recipes

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The art of making oh-so-delectable maple syrup is much the same today as it was hundreds of years ago, and in “Maple Sugar,” you’ll learn the entire process, from coaxing sap from the depths of the magnificent maple to transforming it into sensational syrup. This lively, whimsical guide also serves up practical how-to on identifying maple trees, plus plenty of just-for-fun maple history, trivia and lore. And sure, maple syrup-drenched pancakes are their own kind of paradise, but “Maple Sugar” will get you branching out with its trove of recipes for other maple-laden delights, including breads, beverages, dressings, desserts and more.
The art of making oh-so-delectable maple syrup is much the same today as it was hundreds of years ago, and in “Maple Sugar,” you’ll learn the entire process, from coaxing sap from the depths of the magnificent maple to transforming it into sensational syrup. This lively, whimsical guide also serves up practical how-to on identifying maple trees, plus plenty of just-for-fun maple history, trivia and lore. And sure, maple syrup-drenched pancakes are their own kind of paradise, but “Maple Sugar” will get you branching out with its trove of recipes for other maple-laden delights, including breads, beverages, dressings, desserts and more.
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Here’s to pleasing the palate with the pure, sweet, matchless gift of homemade maple syrup!
Here’s to pleasing the palate with the pure, sweet, matchless gift of homemade maple syrup!

The following is an excerpt from Maple Sugar by Tim Herd (Storey Publishing, 2010). Apple pie may be the most oft-mentioned exemplar of Americana, but few North American food traditions are as treasured as maple sugaring, few tastes as iconic as maple syrup. With the know-how delivered in this manual, you’ll learn how to tap the trees, secure the sap, separate the sugar and, most importantly, savor the treat. Author Tim Herd includes fascinating maple history — did you know maple sugar was once a political issue? — a maple tree field guide, and everything you need to know to produce maple syrup for profit or just plain fun. A perfect book for food, nature and DIY enthusiasts alike. This excerpt is from Chapter 6, “Do-It-Yourself,” and Chapter 7, “Maple Delights.”

Can This Tree Be Tapped?

Any native maple tree with a trunk diameter greater than 11 inches can be tapped. Wherever the tree suffers from such stresses as wounds, disease, insects, soil compaction, pollution or drought, it is better to go a little easier on it by placing fewer taps. Trees with large crowns extending down toward the ground are usually better sap producers. Follow these guidelines for how many taps you can put in a tree:

Trunk Diameter (measured at 4 1/2 feet above the ground) 

11 to 17 inches = 1 tap
18 to 24 inches = 2 taps
24 inches and up = 3 taps

  • Published on Dec 13, 2011
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