Lack of sand

[Kennebec]

We just pulled off our first sugar this afternoon. We made 3 1/4 gallons of amber syrup.
We had very little sand this year compared with previous years. So little in fact that I am concerned.
Is any one else experincing much less niter this year as well?
Is it super regional or is it a year to year change?

[maple6275]

Well, glad to hear it's going well for you at least! I'm seeing a TON of sand, much more than last year. And the syrup isn't coming out very well in the end... it has an odd unpleasant flavor, like the flavor of sugar sand itself. Like it's hyper-saturated with minerals. It's getting frustrating!

[stoweski]

You can have some of mine. I have too much. The most I've seen.

Fortunately my syrup is coming out fine after filtering. I use two paper filters and one synthetic... no press. I rinse the first paper filter off after each drawoff.

Bring some lobster my way and I'll provide you with as much sand as you can handle! :D

[500592]

I haven't seen much but I think this week will be my last:cry:

[Kennebec]

No,Thank you. I am not in need of sand. We just had so much last year that it is throwing me off this year.

[gmcooper]

I have had much more sand this year right from the start. As much right now as the lsat boils last spring.
Syrup is coming out of the press fine but not getting much volume thru before plugging up.

[western mainer]

I have alot more sand this year. But the sugar content seems to be a lot better.
Brian

[500592]

I seem to have some mud this year

[MainelyMaple]

A ton of sand here too...and I also noticed a higher sugar content this year. Nothing to measure sugar % with but last year my sap/syrup was 58:1 this year its pretty much right on 40:1 so far.