Frozen sap bags-how long will it keep?

[claystroup]

I had other commitments yesterday that kept me from collecting my 90 sap bags. Only got up to a high of 30 yesterday so I figured they wouldn't run anyway. Went out and walked my woods this am to find many bags 1/2 to 3/4 full and just about frozen solid-what a surprise. Weather forecast looks pretty cold here for the next 5-6 days with highs only up to 35 or so. How long will that sap keep if frozen?
Thanks,
Clay

[Ed R]

It will be good until it thaws up enough to get the sap out. If it freezes really hard some times the sap will look a little yellow, its ok boil it. The sap will test high in sc.

[3% Solution]

Ice = Mother Nature's RO .......

[maple milker]

I just experienced the same situation today. Sap sacks partly frozen and with a gentle pounding I was able to pour out about 60 to 80 percent thawed sap which was yellowish. I put my sap hydromoter in the barrel and it measured 3 percent. My normal sap has been measuring about 2.25 percent. I'll try saving and thawing some of the ice alone and keep you posted on it's reading. I don't think I want to throw it out as obviously it has some sugar in it!

[maplefarmer]

it will only keep as long until the f_______ deer chew holes in the bottom

[maple flats]

I just experienced the same situation today. Sap sacks partly frozen and with a gentle pounding I was able to pour out about 60 to 80 percent thawed sap which was yellowish. I put my sap hydromoter in the barrel and it measured 3 percent. My normal sap has been measuring about 2.25 percent. I'll try saving and thawing some of the ice alone and keep you posted on it's reading. I don't think I want to throw it out as obviously it has some sugar in it!

the ice when thawed will be at or very near 0% sugar, not worth boiling. That is why freezing is sometimes called "the poor man's R.O."
Most generally the liquid is dumped out when about 1/3 to 1/2 is ice for best results.