light syrup now it's dark

[butch361]

Ok I'm new at making syrup. I have been making light colored syrup. My batches are normally small. The biggest was half a gallon. All the batches were a nice light color, but the last one it was dark.The only thing different is i have changed from a turkey fryers to a 55 drum arch with a pan on top.

[mapleack]

Often syrup darkens throughout the season, which is can be attributed to higher air temperatures and naturally occuring bacteria in the sap being able to grow from the warm air, plus some composition changes in the sap. Normally you'd actually make lighter syrup on your barrel evaporator thanks to a faster evaporation rate, but since you made the switch just before the hot weather of the last couple days, you're likely seeing darker syrup because of the temperature.

[butch361]

thanks for the help.

[mchasal]

Are the sides of your pan being heated with the new evaporator? If so you may get some scorching along the top that will darken the syrup. My kitchen sink evap does that, syrup tastes good though.