Sugar %

[iby]

This is only my 3rd year making syrup, so I'm quite the noob... but I have a question regarding sugar content.

I'm in NW PA. This weekend I put in a single tap just to test sugar content. I got a reading on my refractometer of 5%. I thought... that can't be right, so I tested with clean water to recalibrate it and then took a second reading... it too was showing 5%

I know that Sugar maples can get up to 7% (maybe even higher), but how common is it? I was expecting to see something around 2%

thanks

[maple flats]

If you tested a tree that is normally higher or one that has a large canopy that is possible. If you have a lot of trees like that, congratulations.

[MapleMark753]

I agree with Flats above, and add my congratulations too! Just a thought on refractometers in addition-- Some of them say printed right on them or in their literature that the reading (and distilled water calibration) is accurate at about 72 F. Or whatever degrees it says. A LONG way to verify (but fun) would be to collect an amount of sap, and boil it down to see if it yields the right amount of syrup for what your refractometer is reading. Good luck!

[Buddy 58]

I have a tree that is right next to my sugar house that I have seen test as high as 6% . Last year with sugar % down it only tested 3% . My normal % will be 2.2 - 2.4 to start and go down from there with the rest of the places I tap . Last year my best was 1.8 . :cry: The tree that test high has its roots right in a creek . Sure is tempting to tap know , going to hold off till the 14th .

[a.clarke]

Agreed. It is possible to have some trees that have a high sugar percentage like that. I have a nice big silver in the front yard that is regularly at 4%. If only they were all that high...

[iby]

thank you all for the responses.. learn something new every day. but keeping my fingers crossed it's indicative of a good year for everyone!!

[DrTimPerkins]

Quick question...does your refractometer have ATC (automatic temperature compensation)?

If not, and/or if the sap was cold and not allowed to temperature equilibrate to the instrument, you'd get a reading somewhat higher than the correct reading. Along the same lines, if the sap was allowed to sit in/on the well for a little bit before you measured it, some water would evaporate, also giving you a higher reading than the actual value.

[iby]

Quick question...does your refractometer have ATC (automatic temperature compensation)?

If not, and/or if the sap was cold and not allowed to temperature equilibrate to the instrument, you'd get a reading somewhat higher than the correct reading. Along the same lines, if the sap was allowed to sit in/on the well for a little bit before you measured it, some water would evaporate, also giving you a higher reading than the actual value.

Thanks for the response. Yes, the meter does have ATC in it. As for the second part, that's possible that there was some evaporation. The temperatures here are a bit warmer than they were yesterday, so things should be running a little faster. I'll test again today.

[Sugarmaker]

Sounds like more checking on this "sweet tree" ! If it holds, better look around to see if there are anymore close by too!:)
Let us know.
Regards,
Chris