Couple Questions
In looking at my sap vs. syrup totals I came to some questions so I ask those who know.
My sap hydrometer is calibrated at 38*F. A lot of my readings were taken mornings with ice in the tank, I think maybe 33 to 36 degrees. Will my hydrometer read high of low with lower sap temps?
Next, I boil with a 2 X 4 flat pan. It seems the higher my sugar content later in the afternoon, like when I have about 80 to 100 gallons in the pan, my evaporation rate goes down. Our theory is that it takes more energy to evaporate the concentrated sap.
Lastly, what would be a good bleach percentage in water to wash out my 5 gallon sap collection jugs? I'm thinking 1 pint. That would be a 40 to 1 ratio. Is that enough bleach to be effective? Otherwise I get mold in my jugs if I just rinse with water.
Thanks for your time.
2012 8 Taps 3 pts syrup.
2013 38 Taps 10 gals. syrup made with turkey cooker
2014 57 Taps 10 gals. syrup. Homemade fuel oil tank evaporator
2015 51 Taps, 10 gals. syrup.
2016 50 Taps, 9 gals. Syrup
2017 54 Taps, 13 gals. syrup
2018 75 Taps, 21 gals. syrup
2019 67 Taps, 21 gals.
2020 73 Taps, 20 gals.
2021 75 Taps 21 gal.
2022 75 Taps 14 gal.
2023 0 0 Stroke
2024