Sap tapping season question.

[Jarhead Jim]

When should I quit tapping sap from Box Elders in southwest Nebraska. Not finding any info anywhere.... Jim

[Twisted Minds]

Soon as sap starts tasting "off" or bitter/sour, sap is cloudy, trees bud out, or sap quits running. All depends on weather which happens first.

[Jarhead Jim]

Makes sense. Just don't want to hurt the trees. Next year I will be more prepared and have a hell of a lot more trees involved.

Jim

[littleTapper]

I've found box elders will make bitter/dark syrup when they're done. It'll taste fine at first, then it'll hit you. Boil small amounts down in a saucepan or similar and test it. You'll know when it's done :) The sap may seem the same as earlier in the year and be perfectly clear.

[Jarhead Jim]

OK, will find out this weekend as I'm doing a batch. Hopefully it's still good. Sap tastes sweet.

Jim

[Jarhead Jim]

How did your walnut syrup turn out? Do you still boil it down to 67% like Maple?

Jim