% brix in sap

[maplefarmer]

what is the device called that would measure the, i think it is % brix in sap, so i could check diff. between sugar and silver. does most syrup makers have one of these, or is it something you need to send to a lab to gauge sugar content

[tuckermtn]

sap hydrometer- I have one-a manual, floating one- you can get one at most maple equipment dealers.

but will likely be getting a digital one this season.

[Maple Hugger]

Hi MapleFarmer.
I believe the device you are referring to is a hydrometer. There are some hydrometers that are made to test the sap before boiling and some hydrometers that test the actual syrup. 66-67 brix is purrrrrrfect syrup.

[3rdgen.maple]

Refractometer is the device that measures the sugar content in sap. The sap hydrometer works as well but a refractometer is the cats meow.

[Gary R]

There is the short stem and long stem hydrometer. Both are around $10. The short stem I feel is useless. You can only read the scale to about every 1%. The long stem works well, but you need a long column of sap. A full 5 gal. bucket or make a cylinder out of 2" PVC pipe. Less sap needed to read the content.

Refractometer is nice. Cheap ones off of Ebay are about $30. Not so sure about there accuracy though. But they are easy to use and will give you a good idea of the % from each tree. Only a drop or two of sap is needed.

[Haynes Forest Products]

If your going to use a hydrometer spend the money for a SS cup that has a good base and side hook. Takes very little syrup to test is easy to clean.

[caseyssugarshack93]

If you are going to be testing sap % tree to tree you want a Refractometer because you only need a drop of sap to test