Maple syrup season means spring is on the way
The sugar house at 7 Springs Maple in Overton is where sap is condensed.
When most people think of maple syrup, they might associate the naturally sweet treat with the state of Vermont, not Ohio.
However, according to the Ohio Maple website, the Buckeye State typically ranks either fourth or fifth in production out of 12 states. In fact, in 1840 Ohio was ranked No. 1 in the United States and today cannot produce enough to keep up with the demand for the product.
Maple sugaring is a big business with plenty of room for growth. In this state the industry contributes around $5 million to the economy annually, according to Ohio State University. Maple syrup is only made in the United States. Native Americans discovered the sweet sap and were already skilled at making maple syrup before the arrival of the Europeans. Native Americans collected the sap and boiled it down in hollowed-out logs by placing hot rocks in the sugary solution.
In addition to being delicious on pancakes and used in place of sugar in cooking, maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and supplies vitamins and minerals.
Whether a hobbyist or commercial tapper, the time to start is typically in late winter to early spring, from mid-February to early April depending on the location. Put the taps in trees when the days are sunny and above 32 degrees during and below freezing at night.
Wooster businessman Justin Starlin has been making syrup since 2010, operating a small backyard hobby sugarbush in the foothills of the Overton Valley. “Our 100-tap operation is a family and friends affair that produces nearly 30 gallons of finished product,” he said. “What better way to usher out old man winter and welcome the early days of spring by hanging maple buckets throughout the sugarbush? This has been a labor of love that has garnered more friends and memories than profit.”
It takes 35-45 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. Depending on the size of the tree, you can use one to three taps. After gathering the sap, it needs to be cooked to produce the syrup. One cord of wood is used to make 20 gallons.
“I started the operation with only a very basic understanding of what the heck I was doing, and through time, trial and error, and counseling from fellow sugarers, we have our system down,” Starlin said. “Each participant has their role in the operation. From tapping and hanging buckets to cooking and finishing, we all bring our own skills to the table. I have assumed the sap-collection role along with the cooking day director of entertainment and hosting.”
If you have sugar, red or silver maple trees and are thinking of starting a new hobby or sustainable revenue stream, Lehman’s Hardware and Amazon sell supplies. Other hardware stores may carry taps, bags and buckets.
To experience the process of making syrup firsthand, print out a map and brochure for the 2021 Ohio Maple Madness Driving Tour sponsored by the Ohio Maple Producers. Sugarbushes all across Northeast and Northwest Ohio will be open the weekend of March 6-7 and 13-14. Some locations are only open on Saturday or limited to one weekend. To find out more, go to www.ohiomaple.org.
Ohio State University Extension has information for the beginner on its website at agnr.osu.edu. OSU has worked with Ohio’s maple syrup producers since the 19th century. Also check with the library for books that can be borrowed for free.
Northwestern Ruritans annual Pancake Day will be different this year with take-out only. The drive-thru event will be Saturday, March 13 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature pancakes and sausage, along with Gortner’s Maple Syrup for sale.
“The Smithville Ruritans will hold their pancake breakfast in conjunction with the FFA Alumni Farm Toy Show on April 10,” said Jackie Chamberlain, Marketing Specialist for the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Westwood Ruritans and the Wooster Township Fire Department decided to cancel their annual pancakes and sausage breakfasts.”
According to the website for Malabar Farm State Park website, its Maple Syrup Festival has been cancelled this year.
Not ready to dive into making your own? Most stores have plenty of good syrup for sale. Look for locally produced and bottled maple syrup at area grocery stores or specialty stores like Trail Side Deli.
“With the cool temperature this past month, I am eager to watch the reaction of the trees with the first warm-up,” Starlin said. “Based on the sugar almanac and social media chatter, I anticipate a bumper crop.”