Rule of 86 ratio

[boondocker]

I see alot of people on here asking about the rule of 86 sap to syrup ratio. I figured I would post this chart to help the new guys understand the ratios and to take some of the guess work out of it. If you have a sap hydrometer all you need to do is refer to this chart. I have one laminated on the wall right next to my shelf where I do my testing. 13426

[Bucket Head]

The Jones Rule Of 86 was made back when 65% sugar was considered finished syrup. Then it went to 66% and Vermont mandates 67% sugar. So, roughly, you need to use 87 for 66% syrup and 88 for 67% syrup. I believe its covered in the North American Maple Producers Manual and I remember reading these numbers, I think, in The Sugarmakers Companion book by Michael Farrell.

Steve

[boondocker]

Yea I think your right...I remember reading somthing about that too I the north American sugar bible!

[unc23win]

I use rule of 87 it also recommend when buying sap to use 87. Anyhow thanks for sharing your chart it made me make my own for visitors.

[DrTimPerkins]

I believe its covered in the North American Maple Producers Manual and I remember reading these numbers, I think, in The Sugarmakers Companion book by Michael Farrell.

The original paper is from UVM PMRC at http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc/jones.pdf

[esetter]

Cool chart. Anybody ever had 3%? I might could produce 2 gallons per year if I could get that!

[Atgreene]

We try not to tap anything less than 2 1/2. We have several trees over 7. Any we test that run low go into firewood.