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Well im all done with our Birch syrup experiment. Made about a quart of finished (68 brix) from 3 taps. Here what I learned.

1st, not sure when to tap, I tapped one Birch tree every day after...

Looks good. Have you had any issues with the acidity of the birch sap. Almost all of the eductional research stated NOT to use any metals other then stainless due to off flavor. Copper being one of...

When do you pull taps on birch? If you dont pull the taps before the buds swell, does it make buddy syrup or do you keep collecting until the sap stops running?

Some of the veteran sugar makers in my area say that the sap will always turn cloudy before it gets buddy.......is this true?

FYI, As of today the sap is still crystal clear here, and the buds on...

I also, had low yield for my sugar/sap content over the years, here's what I discovered. The rule of 86 was for the old 65 brix standard. We finish and bottle our syrup thicker at 68 brix. So the...

Its never to late, until the buds start to swell. Traditionally 20 years ago, sugar makers in my area didn't tap until April 1.

Thank for the reply and modification ideas. I guess what im looking to do is take our 1.85% ( yearly average) to 6-8% in a single pass. That way I could boil as I RO. Maybe I should look into a home...

Thank you for all the replies. I appreciate all the information and testimonials on this R.O. that I can get. Im considering the RB15 build it yourself kit. Would like to get 15 gph of concentrate...

Has anyone tried this yet, the R.O. Bucket RB-15, http://www.therobucket.com/index.htm?

If so, are you satified, how was performance, is it worth the cost vs. A build yourself R.O.. Would you buy...

We are trying the CDL 5/16 smart spouts this year as opposed to our usual stainless spouts. We have the same problems as those listed with the stainless spouts on the larger diameter or rough barked...

Do I have to put a label on my Cottage Foods?

Yes, you are required to individually label your Cottage Foods prior to sale.

The basic information that must be on the label is as follows:
...

Short version is, yes it MUST have a label stating 100% pure Maple syrup.

Michigan Maple Syrup and Honey Licensing Exemptions

Under the Michigan Food Law, honey or maple syrup retail outlets and processing facilities operated by the producer are exempt from licensure,...

Im not sure, at first it was discovered by accident. But I have repeated this numberous times, with a consistant outcome. (Detailed recording) It may have to do with % of water per volume in relation...

We run a Mason 2x4 XL. We run 1 or 2 times before we are close to any near-up draw off. I would say at least 125 gallons and our sap runs from 1.6 on a low year to 3.0 for a short couple days mid...

I also concluded it's squirrels. Ive had them do it to a few bags in the past. I found that removal of the squirrels is the best method to aliveate the problem, but this may noy always be possible or...

After wind storms we had a lot of pine down, so we cut and burned it. It burned hot and fast after it was seasoned, requiring a much faster firing time. The down side was even 2 or 3 year seasoned...

We had our pricing at $16.00 qt and $6.00 for 12 oz flat in glass, if purchased in quanities for 6 or more. We are probably on the cheaper side, local prices are 20.00 a qt and 8.00 for a 12oz flat....

Maple flats,

I have to disagree with your estimated gph on a 2x4 without flues. With 3/4-1 inch of sap with AUF and preheater and small dry wood we get 11-14 gph firing by a timer. Running it HARD...

We also run a Mason 2x4 XL. When I get ready to shut down for the night, I increase the sap depth by 1 1/4-1 1-2 inches deeper then I usualy ran at. I then run this for a hard boil for 10-15 minutes...

Elitts,
Welcome to Maple trader. Congrats on your first boil, just a friendly fair warning, its additive. In all seriousness enjoy and have fun.

Boone,

Welcome to Maple trader. Always good to see another Yooper join. Good luck and hope your sap runs 3% for all your effort.

Steve J,

What price ranges are the Supreme pans? I talked to Smokey Lake last year, they said their 2x4 hobby pro would boil 15-20 gph. I would like to have one. But for the small increase in...

That's the truth.....!!!