211 degrees

[chenango maple]

Hello all. Why is hot test red line at 211 degrees if the liquid is syrup at 7 degrees above the boiling point of water or around say 217 to 221 degrees. Are you expected to red line at 211 degrees?

Thanks
Charlie

[maple flats]

By the time you put the syrup in a hydrometer cup and float the hydrometer it has cooled to about 211.
It is actually best to use a cup with a thermometer. Take the hydrometer reading, then the temperature and use the chart to get density. These are available from The Maple Guys, www.mapleguys.com

[chenango maple]

Ok thanks Dave. I guess we are ok. We dip the cup,empty and dip again. Then we look to float at exactly red line.

Charlie