Birch Syrup

[David531]

Birch Tappers,

What do you think about a large double boiler for finishing the birch syrup.
We do most of it on the evaporator. We have tried finishing the birch using propane a few times, but always seem to burn it. The sugars burns at the boiling point. So that last mile is tedious. I found a large 20 quart double boiler, so we'll give it a try.

Cheers, David

Ashby, Massachusetts

[Maplesedge]

We made Black Birch syrup 2 years ago. You HAVE to use a double boiler! Birch sugar is fructose, not sucrose like maple. it can't take the high heat at finishing. You can boil it down to near done and finish on a double boiler or DB it all the way. But the ratio is like 100:1 or more so it's a lot of boiling. We got a pint out of 20 gal and tasted like raspberry caramel.

[BC Birch Tapper]

Yes by all means do use a double boiler. we do.
You need to keep the temp below 100 deg C to finish it. You need to watch it near the end and you're not a true syrup maker until you've burnt some. Some people add fructose or other sugars to reach 66 deg brix.
The main thing is be honest with your customers as to what they're purchasing.

[KenWP]

I made some birch syrup last year. I find it okay but then I allways eat my own cooking. I tapped a few birch today again to see if I can get enough to make she who must be obeyed some beer or wine or something with achohol. I will see what happens. I just boiled the syrup on the evaporator last year and it came out dark but tastes okay. If I had to use a double boiler it wouldn't get made believe me.

[BC Birch Tapper]

We've posted a birch syrup production manual on the classified ads which goes over all the aspects of making birch syrup.

give it a look

you can get buy without using a double bolier but you have to watch the temp more closely especially as the sugars get more concentrated.