Sugar %

[iby]

Quick question...does your refractometer have ATC (automatic temperature compensation)?

If not, and/or if the sap was cold and not allowed to temperature equilibrate to the instrument, you'd get a reading somewhat higher than the correct reading. Along the same lines, if the sap was allowed to sit in/on the well for a little bit before you measured it, some water would evaporate, also giving you a higher reading than the actual value.

Thanks for the response. Yes, the meter does have ATC in it. As for the second part, that's possible that there was some evaporation. The temperatures here are a bit warmer than they were yesterday, so things should be running a little faster. I'll test again today.

[Sugarmaker]

Sounds like more checking on this "sweet tree" ! If it holds, better look around to see if there are anymore close by too!
Let us know.
Regards,
Chris