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View Full Version : Is it mold or separation?



SevenCreeksSap
08-16-2013, 09:26 PM
we opened one of the plastic jugs of early light syrup we always keep for personal use, and there was a film of yellowish soft substance on the top of the syrup. it came off in a piece, did not break up or anything, and the rest of the syrup does not look contaminated. we use new plastic jugs for sale syrup, but the jugs for ours may have been a washed jug from last year, refilled this year.

I was using butter as a defoamer this year, adding some when it foamed up a lot in the syrup pan, and may have used more than needed at times. I probably won't use butter again.

My question is, could this yellow substance be the butter I was using that separated after sitting several months? or is it mold in my containers?
I've never seen yellow mold, usually gray or greenish.

I am very concerned because I've finally found a good farmers market and have been moving the syrup I wanted to sell this year. Its my first attempt at sales and want a good product and name. really hoping this isn't in any of the new containers. Have not had any calls or complaints.

upsmapleman
08-17-2013, 06:49 AM
Sounds like mold.

happy thoughts
08-17-2013, 07:35 AM
I also think it sounds like mold. Butter would not stay together and come off in one piece especially at room temps.

I'd reboil the syrup before using. Just because you didn't see mold when you poured it out of an opaque jug doesn't mean mold wasn't growing in there. Mold growing in the syrup below the surface might be hard to see even in a glass container. Pouring it off likely disturbed the growth and mixed it so you wouldn't see it.