just around the corner... Probably one of my favorite things about living in Maine is the constant act of preparation from one season to another. We're still shoveling through the snow, yet we're also starting seeds, checking garden tools, and thinking syrup. It's just a few more weeks until maple syrup season begins, and frankly, I can't wait!
This will be our third year, and with each year we learn so much more of what works and what doesn't. Our first year's lesson led us to know that you need to burn a lot of wood to cook down the syrup, I mean lots and lots of wood. Then last year we learned that we needed a better pot. We still on the hunt for that. In the meantime, we're busy prepping the taps, collecting pails and bottles, and stacking up on wood.
As you can see from the shot above, our stove is pretty basic, but it definitely does the job. And when you think about it, it's not too bad of a gig when it's your turn to "watch the syrup". Basically, you hang outside in a chair for a few hours and stoke the fire every so often. Really not that taxing.
Last year we ran out of our syrup around October, so we're hoping to tap a few more trees and double up on our efforts this season to try to get at least one year's supply. It's a long process for a relatively small return, but it is so, so worth it.
1 comments:
How lucky you are to be able to do this. Very cool. You should sell the syrup!
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