Canning issue

[GeorgeQ]

Last night, we drew off 5 gallons of syrup at 66 brix (219 degrees). We filtered, then put it in the water jacket canner and kept it at 185ish to bottle. After bottling the second gallon, I noticed that the syrup became cloudy. I checked it again with the hydrometer and it showed 68.5 brix. I am at a loss as to how this could happen when temps in the canner were at 185. Any thought? Thanks in advance.

[Russell Lampron]

At draw off temp (211*) once it's in the hydrometer cup the reading on the hydrometer should be 59 Brix which is the upper red line. At a cooler temperature the reading will be higher but the density will not be higher. Are you using the correct red line on the hydrometer and a correction chart for different temperatures?

[GeorgeQ]

Well, that's probably our problem, Russell. Thanks for the help. We draw off when the hydrometer reads 66 brix, tested immediately after drawing off 219 degree syrup into the cup. Are you saying that we need to draw off when the hydrometer reads 59 brix? The syrup seems much too thin at that point.

[maple flats]

The reason there is a red line at 211F is because when you draw 219 or 220F syrup, it is at 211 by the time you read the density. 8-9 degrees F are lost that quick.

[GeorgeQ]

Thanks Maple flats.

[maple flats]

If you have problems, consider trying a Murphy Cup, it will tell you what the hydrometer should read at whatever temperature the test syrup is at. In reality, it is a thermometer, but rather than telling the temperature it indicates what they hydrometer should read. Another tool to help would be an Accu-cup, a test cup with a thermometer in it. You then use a chart to find what the hydrometer should read. Another method in in the North American Maple Producers Manual. It gives you a chart to determine what the hydrometer reading should be.
The main point is that as the temperature changes so does the hydrometer reading.

[Russell Lampron]

Well, that's probably our problem, Russell. Thanks for the help. We draw off when the hydrometer reads 66 brix, tested immediately after drawing off 219 degree syrup into the cup. Are you saying that we need to draw off when the hydrometer reads 59 brix? The syrup seems much too thin at that point.

Yes you should draw off when your hydrometer reads 59 Brix. Your syrup hydrometer should have 2 red lines on it. The upper line is the hot test line which is to be read at draw off temp. The lower red line is the cold test line which is to be read with the syrup at 60*F. The syrup is very thin when it is that hot. It thickens pretty quick when it cools.