Can anyone tell me what this might be?

[eustis22]

This is moving around in the bottoms of several of my jars. It's not crystalized sugar from jarring overly hot. Could it be niter? While I used a CDL vacuum filter to filter my finished into my jars, I could not use DE (just clogged up the filters until the syrup just sat on top). I'm kind of concerned that I did something wrong and this season's crop has gone busto. Here's a pic:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaVeb6cBFryd1x9_-ESuKRyO1ohgrfihUaF_d0hQlzdvCuMC2RhXfwbO-zPAnoayfij9H2jzXFgDXQXgSvMwkp1Ol8UqTvUMY0x3or3zCva rMvYFqkZdTLcxbdqFZJDPsBaKBg7EeGKTdcIf3WWed8QGCcRU_ d1ujWMYeVbsIix9qyJONhBHGgYWmrSHhnIYtRTjWjjKHQoMq-qVkoKhE97LdPsj5LYP1LnwZXrBi0Cvu2X_R9UPtBb9PwEFNrD8 7HBSK1h297g_UpYUthYIygS316q-nWmHOBKrHFXdKjDL8eXfm7UlD2Uu3VIPfkI9cd4N1N71GV2I0_ 2K4Eao4a8f_rOLYXpxsTyNkHA0hbqCRfPYk4BYtetVQsQ3Xxi_ OvrSBQmp3uk2BZuFt1QCORZIh-BhQZjwBHaRayQtsBHJMD_gyY9e3criGhyHldDvGgGDp0jXBajt u7RYbDEpR1tSPTA08woPIk1G1CC6d-_h1gLAbyHvZa3hpfyolgITW3suwJXZpf7t1RSpQBeJK2qHF105 cIq7YXTasF4d1BxldlFh8mJRPojwC0FRP9YCaqQ4xCWfN4bWhI I_WpqhcqmeATlCfKtyV70GWd2khX5nRrUOIqhKrjkzdjhhexCX-BHfd8slU62zr9CQGpWdaltB2zayBWmkwv9A8mcdfID4U-U1ZyFEonN10OsXGpZSVpJLKV1sgm6SAemhE9-KRB1EBG4SGX2xF0Kso3LsmpGDwKRRpCY8Z_hNPvYVuvpz-JEmwKF2Tt9jLWGaNRbwxKIF7lxF380_yKWVN1MqXhJO6u9H_aR qd8BQxr4DyHyAa6Tw9D-MZ6tW-OtG-yw-PTC4Xk6FhH5GaoLW9EsA4HRsxOTXFgc6dMMbeW6GT_--5yavqESAjskbKVyFLDjrhFYzzjs=w347-h617-s-no?authuser=0


any guidance would be deeply appreciated.

[maple flats]

I don't see the picture, but guessing from your description, it's likely niter.
How did you try to use the DE?
To get good clear syrup you must filter hot, best it 200F+ but 190 is acceptable. Mix the DE into the syrup, for 1-2 gal use 3/4 cup, then for each additional gal in that first batch add 1/4 cup more DE. Then pour the hot syrup into the open top with the vacuum on. Doing it this way should not cause any issues. Be sure to use DE made for maple syrup. If the syrup needs refiltering to "sparkle" draw all out into a clean vessel, rinse the bottom section and discard, do not remove the caked on DE, mix 2/3 cup again for up to 3 gal and repeat. This refiltering should not be needed, it should "sparkle" after once thru.
Does this sound like how you did it before?

[eustis22]

MapleTrader keeps failing to upload the pic

your description does sound like how I did it before with the exception I did not have the vacuum on before dumping the hot DE'd syrup into the filter. Poured first, then turned on the vacuum

[maple flats]

How much syrup in the batch and how much DE? Is the DE from a maple supply or another larger producer?

[eustis22]

about a gallon...I used DE from CDL...I think I mixed in over a cup...there's a thread someplace regarding the 9 inch CDL vac filter.

so if it's just niter I should be able to reheat and re-jar thru another filter, right?

[BAP]

about a gallon...I used DE from CDL...I think I mixed in over a cup...there's a thread someplace regarding the 9 inch CDL vac filter.

so if it's just niter I should be able to reheat and re-jar thru another filter, right?
Yes, reheat the syrup, add your DE and refilter. If you are having a hard time getting your syrup through the filter using DE, then add more DE. Too little DE and all the surface area of the DE particles get plugged up and don’t allow the syrup to flow through.

[eustis22]

so the consensus is it's just niter and I can remove it by reheating [all of] my jars and better filtering? I have a gallon jar of DE'd syrup that I couldn't get thru the filters so I am trying to let the DE settle to re-filter w/o the DE in it. I suspect I will have to go back to the cone filtering for this.

[maple flats]

If the syrup with DE would not go thru, you didn't use enough DE. With too little DE the niter builds up and plugs the filter, with enough DE mixed in the DE keep forming a thicker filter cake and doesn't plug the paper filter, the DE is the filter. So take that portion that would not pass thru the filter, add more DE, mix and send it thru the vacuum filter at 180F -185F, heting much more will darken the syrup even more.

[maple flats]

Going back to a cone filter will defeat the issue, you need to learn how to filter the proper way, don't avoid it or you will never learn.
With filtering you essentially can't use too much but you will fail if you use too little!

[eustis22]

ok....I will try your suggestion of MOAR DE! Though I am pretty sure I used 1 or 2 cups for that gallon....so throw in another cupful.