A short story about ice

[Mike Van]

Back when I tapped about 40 trees, and before I got a refractometer, I would boil everything that was in a sap bucket. Yesterday I picked up 100 gal, filled two blue barrels. Lots of chunks, some slush. I pumped what I could up into the tank, 80 gallons. Twenty gallons of ice left. I let some melt, put it on the meter, absolutely 0 sugar content. I checked the tank right after, mines been a steady 2% all season - tank was 2.2%. So, I guess over the years I lugged & boiled a lot of ice for naught - Live & learn.

[wmick]

Thanks for this... I heard that I should throw the ice away... but sometimes it seemed like half the bucket or more.... So I've boiled a bunch of ice, for nothing as well...
My first refractometer arrived in the mail today... We'll see if it makes me look any smarter...

[Sugarmaker]

Generally ice is just the water. But some ice that has voids could contain some sweet too. I try to dump the ice chunks. Most of the time you will be good. and have higher sugar in the remaining sap.
Regards,
Chris

[Russell Lampron]

Mother nature's RO!

[Sugarmaker]

I also got a new visiual refractometor today thanks to Jim (Father and Son) Nice clear unit and the cost was under $15. Checked my ICE sap today and it was 2.2%. I dumped the ice in the containers after pumping out the sap.
Regards,
Chris

[Gord]

Is this what you're talking about, as far as a refractometer goes? Does it work as simply as it states? They range in price dramatically. refrac.jpg

[Sugarmaker]

gord,
yes that's the one. good clarity. will test on it more. price was under $15.
Regards,
Chris

[DrTimPerkins]

Is this what you're talking about, as far as a refractometer goes? Does it work as simply as it states? They range in price dramatically.

Refractive measurements are highly affected by temperature. You will want one with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) or must ALWAYS take your measurements at the stated temperature. In addition, you should use proper technique to avoid errors. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/...nce-S1-1-4.htm

[Gord]

Clicked on all three refractometer pages from above site and got "Not Found" Maybe my computer's too old.

[wmick]

Refractive measurements are highly affected by temperature. You will want one with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) or must ALWAYS take your measurements at the stated temperature. In addition, you should use proper technique to avoid errors. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/...nce-S1-1-4.htm

Dr. Tim is citing Ontario Maple info?.... I'm honoured...