Brix question
I find if I get my syrup to the proper mark on the hydrotherm, indicating the 66 brix, it seems thinner than I'd like it when cooled. How high can I take it in brix before I have to worry about crystallization or other concerns, as I bottle in glass?
I played with this last night using a propane burner so I could keep a close eye on things and regulate the heat. To simplify I set a thermometer in the pot as well. The temperature was as high has 222 when the brix was at 65. Make sure you test at 210 as well. Hope this helps.
Last edited by Asthepotthickens; 04-05-2013 at 12:46 PM.
Homemade 46 by 26 wood boiler with two polished stainless pans
Home made sugar shack with Caputo Rooftop
15 gallon pre-heater tank with a circulating copper pipe stack heater.
two 45 gallon storage tanks with transfer pumps
150 taps (buckets)
Arctic Cat Prowler
Two big reds with bucket holders to collect the sap
Good wife to assist me
Getting sweeter one drop at a time.
VT standard is about 67 Brix, so you can go at least that high. I bet you'll see crystalization if you go much higher, even even at 68 I bet you'll see it.
Boulder Trail Sugaring
150 Taps on Vacuum
Homemade 20"x40" Hybrid Pan - 15 gph
Homemade Steamaway - 10 gph
Waterguys single-post RO
I quit using a hydrotherm, found they were inaccurate.
If you don't use a hydrotherm (assume this is the same as a hydometer) what do you use as the benchmark for syrup?
Maybe a refractometer?
Boiling point of syrup varies, so I use the hydrometer to get the right density, and adjust my temp on the auto draw off to match.
Just curious what others use and trust...
Jeff Emerson
www.emersonsmaplehill.com
3x12 Leader with over air, custom piggyback, 600gph CDL RO
2500 on 25" vacuum
350 4 wheeler, 500 snowmobile, and 1950's Ford 600 tractor, Husqvarna! (261, 372xpBigBore, 562xp), Stihl MS193 for in tree work
A hydrotherm has a thermometer in the center. A tall syrup hydrometer that has the expanded scale and a good thermometer before bottling.
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