Small Batch Filtering

[jwmiller]

Hello, I believe this will be my 5th year doing a small syrup operation in north eastern Minnesota. I have a wood fired 55 gallon barrel that has two stainless steel pans that sit in the top of the barrel for boiling. I usually do 3 boils a spring and end up with around 1 gallon/boil, so ~3 gallons total each year.

Filtering is my kryptonite. I can never seem to get the niter filtered out even remotely well. Last year was my first year using a hydrometer, so I know I am pulling the boil off the heat at the right time. I filter once when I pull the syrup off my wood fired outdoor setup and before I move it indoors to finish the boil. Then once I reach the right sugar content per the hydrometer, I pull it off the heat, wait for the temp to drop to 185 and then filter a second time. My filtering consists of one of the big felt like filters with 2-3 pre filters in there also. After my final filtering, I put the finished product into preheated jars and complete the bottling process. It seems that no matter what I do, I still end up with a good amount of niter at the bottom.

For someone doing a small batch like me, what is the best way to filter and remove niter? Would using 2 felt filters withs a couple pre filters be better? Should I wait for the temp to drop lower than 185 before the last filter? Any help would be greatly appreciated

syrup boiler.jpg

[Wannabe]

I'd just use the settling method if it were me.

[bigschuss]

I'd just use the settling method if it were me.

Agree. Many, many years ago when I first started I just used an old T-shirt. I now use only the cone pre-filters. That gets the big stuff. Then we just let the niter settle out. We're not selling and we're not pros. It works fine for small batches and family use.

[maple flats]

A couple of things, #1 don't wait for it to cool to 185, the hotter the temp the easier it filters. However if you are heating it to filter, only go to about 190F. #2 A trick that often helps is to mix in about 1/2 cup of DE (or filter aid) to the hot syrup. If you use that method, find a local producer who uses a filter press and buy a few cups of DE. The DE comes in 40 or 50# bags and as small as you are it would just be too much. Do not buy it from an online store, food grade or not, it may not be an appropriate fineness for maple syrup. Using the DE method, add the 1/2 cup/gallon hot syrup, set up your heavy filter and have 1 thin pre-filter on top. Then pour the mixture into or onto the filter. The DE will form a filter cake on the pre-filter and that will then filter out the fine sugarsand (niter).

[Pdiamond]

You should filter right away, don't wait for cooling. Use 3 or 4 pre filters on top of the felt or orlon filter. Make sure that you mark the felt filter in the corner either up or top with a permanent marker. this prevents you from turning it upside down and releasing anything caught in the filter after rinsing.

[buck3m]

"I'd just use the settling method if it were me." Yup. For small batches that you're not selling. Much easier, way less frustrating, wastes less syrup.

"I pull it off the heat, wait for the temp to drop to 185 and then filter a second time. My filtering consists of one of the big felt like filters with 2-3 pre filters in there also. After my final filtering, I put the finished product into preheated jars and complete the bottling process." Unless you're reheating after filtering, I would think it would likely cool to much. If you are reheating to bottle, you might be creating more niter if you reheat it too fast (a steam tray or water jacket canner prevents that issue) or if you reheat above about 195, or hotter than your original filtering temperature.

[hansel]

I am a settler. Don't have to waste money or syrup on filters. I pour off the clear of my batches, then combine the cloudy remains and let that settle for one final pour off.

[ir3333]

well...when you're done boiling put your syrup in a cool place for a week or so.This will let the particulate settle.
After a week carefully pour your syrup into your finishing pan leaving the sediment behind.Finish to 66 brix, filter
and bottle hot.It will be crystal clear.

[Z/MAN]

I filter thru a paper prefilter when drawing off the evaporator. When I get it to the correct density on the stove in my outdoor kitchen I immediately right off the stove pour it into my orlon filter that has 2-3 paper filters setting inside. I get beautiful clear syrup with no niter. I use a coffee urn with added height to hold my filters and bottle. As soon as I dump the syrup in I place a lid on top of the filters and I usually can run 1 1/2 to 2 gallons thru without clogging. Holding the heat in really makes a difference. Saturday night I got 4 gallons thru before I had to clean the filters! Filter it as HOT as you can.

[buckeye gold]

Here's picture of my filter set up for small batches of 1/2 gallon or less. There's a wire fryer basket hung in the pot and my wife sews the filters to fit. I use 2-3 prefilters and a final orlon. I filter twice, once off the evaporator at 217 and then right off the propane finisher.

filtering.jpg