In VT those who sugar the old-fashioned way (but at commercial volume) burn slabs of soft woods in their arches to get that high heat, usually combined with reverse osmosis machines to get the water content in the sap down pre-boil. Come on over some sugar season and I'll get you out in the woods with some real sap-heads!
Hate to say this, but ingesting real maple syrup gives me a headache. Every time. My unscientific take is that real maple syrup is chemically complex—turpentine also comes from trees (though not maples).
In fact there is a mysteriousness surrounding the chemistry of maple syrup and scientists are still finding new compounds in it. Sap/syrup contains a lot phenolic compounds which are powerful antioxidants but some phenols also can have toxicity.
Sweet! My brother has an operation here in western NY. He has about 2,000 taps on a couple vacuum lines.
And, at Costco there's a huge stock of organic Vermont maple syrup. Hard to believe it's real after reading this. We are so removed from life!
I missed River ti River today. I'll listen to the recorded version.
I think syrup is cheap in the stores right now because it’s a year old and they have to make room for the years
In VT those who sugar the old-fashioned way (but at commercial volume) burn slabs of soft woods in their arches to get that high heat, usually combined with reverse osmosis machines to get the water content in the sap down pre-boil. Come on over some sugar season and I'll get you out in the woods with some real sap-heads!
I will try!
Great article. Thanks!
Hate to say this, but ingesting real maple syrup gives me a headache. Every time. My unscientific take is that real maple syrup is chemically complex—turpentine also comes from trees (though not maples).
In fact there is a mysteriousness surrounding the chemistry of maple syrup and scientists are still finding new compounds in it. Sap/syrup contains a lot phenolic compounds which are powerful antioxidants but some phenols also can have toxicity.
Topic and messaging aside the writing (ticks, instinctual drive to climb trees, French-kissing, etc) is worth the subscription and read.
Bud sap. Found that very interesting. Good piece
I have never, ever collected sap from a tree or made syrup. Your description was delectable.
I've made Maple syrup for decades and never found it quite so...erotic.
Thanks for sharing your excitement and for the chemistry lesson.