Temperature of sap when testing

[saphound]

Sorry if this has been asked a hundred times but I couldn't find it. All the sap hydrometers seem to be calibrated for sap at 38 degrees. If you go to test and there's ice in your bucket, it's pretty safe to say the sap is colder than 38. Will it read lower sugar if it's colder than 38? If so, by how much? I could bring some inside to let it warm to 38, but none of the several different thermometers I have measure below 50 degrees or so. If it's that important I'll have to look for one that will measure that low...but is there much of a difference testing 33 degree sap vs 38 degree sap? Thanks.

[maple marc]

Saphound,

Here is my post from several years ago. Hope this helps.
Marc

For 38 degree calibrated sap hydrometer
32-46 degrees add .0 brix
47-56 degrees add .1 brix
57-61 degrees add .2 brix
62-64 degrees add .3 brix
65-68 degrees add .4 brix
69-72 degrees add .5 brix
73-75 degrees add.6 brix

You might check out this thread about sap hydrometers:

http://mapletrader.com/community/sho...e-compensation

Bottom line is I could not understand why my sap hydrometer would not read 0 in distilled water. I even sent mine back, they checked it and returned it to me. I still do not understand why you can't calibrate it in distilled water. Perhaps Dr. Tim can explain it to us.

Here is a way to check it, per Steve Childs:

Add 2 grams sugar to 98 grams water for a solution of 2 brix.

I hope your season is still going strong. Still good here in Ohio.

Marc

[saphound]

Thank you Maple Marc. I was hoping colder sap would read lower..and make me feel better about my 1.5 readings, darn it. You would think they could label these things to say For 32-46 degree sap..instead of just 38 degree sap! :mad:
BTW..I couldn't get your link to work..getting an error msg.