economical bulk storage?

[cjf12]

Been collecting sap for 15 years and having someone else boil down. Finally got our own rig and have come to the realization that we are going to have twice as much syrup. We have always just bottled asap after getting syrup in 5 gal buckets. What are some of the cheaper methods to storing long term? Are food grade 5 gal buckets an option?

[Bucket Head]

How much syrup do you plan on storing? I wouldn't trust the lid/seal on a 5 gallon pail for hot packing. It would be fine if you were going to drop them into a chest freezer. I've done that in the past with good results. The most inexpensive way to hold smaller quantities of syrup is to use the blue, five gallon bulk jugs that the suppliers sell. I believe Kaplin Container sells them also. Probably other companies do to. Many producers use those for hot packing including myself.

[cjf12]

We have done 40 to 50 gal on average. So that would be what we would have in excess this year providing we can keep up with the boiling down. It all has to be done in evenings. Not sure if i can let my 14 yr old son boil on his own yet even though he will want to. Are those jugs reusable? If so i couldnt justify buying and running another freezer.

[Russell Lampron]

We have done 40 to 50 gal on average. So that would be what we would have in excess this year providing we can keep up with the boiling down. It all has to be done in evenings. Not sure if i can let my 14 yr old son boil on his own yet even though he will want to. Are those jugs reusable? If so i couldnt justify buying and running another freezer.

I use the 5 gallon blue plastic jugs and they work good. You have to fill them hot just like when you jug up syrup in retail containers. As long as the syrup is the correct density it won't spoil. I store mine in my sugar house and don't have any issues with mold or spoilage. Wash the jugs good after you empty them with hot water only and you can reuse them. Use a new cap if you have any doubt about the original cap sealing properly. Some of my jugs are close to 20 years old.

[maple flats]

They are reusable, but you need to clean them well soon after emptying them and then again when getting ready to fill them again. For small lots I prefer using white or opaque jugs, 5 or 6 gal, food grade. They are easier to see how clean you have gotten it. Something like these http://lexingtoncontainercompanysonlinestore.mybigcommerc e.com/nampac-5-gallon-closed-head-drum-rectangular-natural/
I bought some real nice 6 gal complete draining jugs 8-10 yrs ago from Baker's Maple in Bainbridge. They have since sold out to? I have no idea if the new owners carry the jug.

[cjf12]

Not what i am thinking of using but curious if they would work in a crunch if needed. My wife has close to 50 1 gal glass jars. The amish use them all around us for different things and we have used them to store and cool milk from the family cow. If you dont know what im talking about they are what Sams club sells pickles and sauerkraut in.
Wife and i are hoping to make it up to Pattersons Thursday. Well see what they have and go from there. Thanks for the tips as always. And Merry Christmas.

[maple flats]

Glass jars will work fine if your wife will allow you to use them. They must be packed at or over 180F but not over 190F and the lid must seal.

[cjf12]

Why not over 190 degrees?

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

Over 190 will precipitate more sugarsand/niter

[Wanabe1972]

Those blue ones from Bascoms work great. They are designed to be stackable and lock together somewhat so they don't slide around. I have reused mine for several years without any spoilage. Hot pack them and use a new cap as others have said. They are like 12 bucks so don't add to the price too much when I sell them to a bakery I deal with. Jeff

[cjf12]

Thanks for the feedback. Just picked up 10 blue jugs yesterday.

[maple flats]

Good choice.