55 gallon Polyethylene Collection Tank originally held tomatoes

[MDR Maple]

Hi All,

I have about 40 taps for home use syrup. I have access to some craigslist barrels that held tomatoes.

Would you use these for collection and if so, what cleaning approach would you suggest prior to use?

Thanks in Advance

[mol1jb]

When I was first starting out I thought of using used collection barrels but in the end I always went with new. Its a bit more upfront cost but no risk of off flavors.

[jetdoc]

You can never go wrong with getting new. You will be happier in the end spending the extra money for new. I can't imagine buying used and going to all that work and finding out your syrup has a off flavor taste.

[SeanD]

My first three barrels were lidded-top 55 gal drums and had held tomatoes. They were perfect for what I needed and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. There was zero off smell or flavor. If you can verify with a label that you are the second user and the first use was a food, you should be good to go.

[paulslund]

When I was researching this I came across a thread where someone was asking about olive barrels and the potential to impart an off-flavour to the syrup. Someone chimed in that they had used them and had no impact on the flavour or smell of the syrup. I can't quite find the thread though... but if that is the case I would also think the tomatoes would be fine.

[Old Farmer]

I have been using some pickled pepper barrels for about 6 years and have never noticed an off flavor in the syrup. Not saying it isn't there, but I have never noticed it. Nobody has commented either. The barrels still smell like pickled peppers every spring when I open them back up but the smell goes away pretty quick.

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[MDR Maple]

Thanks for all your replies. I inquired about the barrels and the seller said he is close with the supplier of his barrels. The barrels originally held tomatoes, however, the tomatoes are packed in a plastic liner so the tomatoes don't actually touch the barrel interior. I'll go check out the barrels as soon as I shovel the 20" of snow from around my trailer.

[johnallin]

I might want to check to see why a liner was used...it's possible the barrel was not made for direct food contact, or it held something else in an earlier life?
Wow you guys got pounded with this last storm. Yikes

[Maple Time]

did you ever get to check these out?