sugar content in sap

[michael marrs]

How do you guys come up with % of sugar in sap? I have heard you can do it with a hydrometer. but do not know how, thanks

[danielschauder]

You will need a hydrometer that is for measuring sap.

[maple flats]

If you are buying sap you want the long sap hydrometer, it will give you the % to the 1/10 point, if just for your curiosity, you could use either the long or the short. The short only gives the % to the 1/4 point. You could also use a sap refractometer.

[Clinkis]

Can also calculate your average sugar content after you have finished syrup by dividing 87 by your sap to syrup ratio. For example if it takes you 40 litres of sap to make 1 litre of finished syrup your average sugar content was 2.18% 87/40=2.18%

[michael marrs]

You will need a hydrometer that is for measuring sap.
I have one but it has no directions. also short / long, I would thin mine is about 9-10 in. long, ND Have only seen one, so don't know if that is short or long. thanks again

[Atgreene]

Refractometers are fairly cheap. http://www.homebrewing.org/Brix-Refractometer-w-ATC-Automatic-Temperature-Control-_p_1776.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&gclid=CN3jja7RutICFc5WDQod-JMG4A

[Clinkis]

I have one but it has no directions. also short / long, I would thin mine is about 9-10 in. long, ND Have only seen one, so don't know if that is short or long. thanks again

They are not rocket science. Short or long the instructions are the same. Float it in your sap and wherever the surface of the sap hits the scale on the shaft that's what your sugar content is. You don't need a cup you can put it right in your storage container. The higher the sugar content the higher the hydrometer will float and vice versa.

[michael marrs]

thank you clinkis!!

[berkshires]

And test it with tap water, so you know where zero is. I've been fooled before by measuring on the wrong side of the meniscus.

[michael marrs]

thanks all, I have a hydrometer, but clearly is a "syrup" H. I am curios. I will look into finding one, or getting a refractowhatever . Now, I have privey to property that has tons of maples. question 1), can you check sugar content per tree in summer, fall? 2),Does it ever change in that tree? This is my archery club, and would be very easy with leaves on trees, to go and identify maples, and then then, test them for the more desirable trees. 3), would you all suggest the Hydrometer, or the refractometer? thanks