[prepgirl]

I think it's getting close to tapping time here in PA and I'd really like to do it. I was wondering if anyone else does it, and if you know of any other types of trees that can be tapped. Since I don't own any of those types of trees, I have to get permission from someone who does. I've got permission to tap one tree. I contacted DCNR (I think that was the agency) about tapping some trees on some nearby state hunting lands, but that was a definite no. Sure wish I had my own trees! Sweetener would be invaluable if the event of an economic collapse.

 

[yzingerr]

Here in urban n.ca, ive never had the pleasure..sure enjoy watching trees being tapped by those that do.

 

[yzingerr]

listing of trees, how to, et cetera
Tapping tree sap

 

[prepgirl]

Wow! Thanks for posting this link! I had no idea you could simply clip off the end of a thin branch and do it that way! My fiance's parents own 17 acres of woodland, but they won't let us tap because they don't want holes in the trees. This is the solution! OMG, thanks so much!

 

[prepgirl]

Jeez,it's only a 1/2" hole and it heals quickly. Around here we call an area with Sugar Maples the "sugar bush".
Did you know you can make your own sugar from beets? You need to plant a lot-- I'm going to look into it this year.
Sorghum is another source,but I think mainly for molasses

Oh, I know. And they don't plan on selling any of those trees anytime soon, but he who has the gold makes the rules, so to speak.

 

[AsteroidX]

Yummy !! pancakes with maple syrup.

 

[prepgirl]

Yzingerr - I owe you a big bear hug! That method is so much easier and so much less damaging to the trees. Hopefully we can get permission to use this method at my fiance's parents' house and get some maple syrup made this year.

I was wondering how the sap from the Walnut trees would taste. According to that blog, it's viable. I'll give it a whirl and report back. I can't wait! I just have to figure out how to cook it down on my outdoor wood cookstove without getting the syrup all smokey, but doesn't smokey maple syrup sound good? Oh man, it made my mouth water just thinking about it!

 

[lae712]

We use our outdoor propane turkey fryer. It holds alot, just takes alot of time. Just keep the wind blocked for consistant temp. I think we rendered a good pint of excellent thick maple syrup from 2, 5 gallon buckets of maple sap. Would love to try a few other trees as well, and its that time!

 

[lae712]

Yes, definitely to much propane. Would have to keep it over an open fire in that situation. But, your right if thats what we have to work with, we work with it. Most people now a days are just to lazy to work hard for little reward. Those are the ones who will be cryin and snivel'n!!! I know I wont!! I may not be a young chicken anymore, but I am NOT to good to do whatever it takes to keep my family fed and their needs met. I'll be damed, and I will die first before I would sit on my ass wishin I had food in mouth and waitin for someone else to bring it to me!!!

 

[prepgirl]

I tried it on a wood stove in my garage. Took forever- 2 days to boil down 10 gallons to get a quart of syrup that was a little too thin. But,later on it may be worthwhile.
Seems like it would use up a lot of propane that I wouldn't want to use up in a SHTF situation

So, it looks like I can plan on the boiling to take quite a while!
I'm going to boil mine down on my outdoor wood cook stove. I certainly would not use my propane to do it. Propane's too expensive.

 

[prepgirl]

Yes, definitely to much propane. Would have to keep it over an open fire in that situation. But, your right if thats what we have to work with, we work with it. Most people now a days are just to lazy to work hard for little reward. Those are the ones who will be cryin and snivel'n!!! I know I wont!! I may not be a young chicken anymore, but I am NOT to good to do whatever it takes to keep my family fed and their needs met. I'll be damed, and I will die first before I would sit on my ass wishin I had food in mouth and waitin for someone else to bring it to me!!!

Exactly! Lol....
Rather than finding an excuse for why I can't do something, I'll put my energy and resources into finding a way.

 

[prepgirl]

Ya know,any Maple will work,just that the sugar is highest in a sugar(hard) maple. And you should be able to start now--ya need below freezing at night and above during the day.
The South side is best

Yes! We're going to be tapping soon, perhaps starting on Sunday. I can't wait. :>)

 

[yzingerr]

Pics or it didnt happen!

 

[yzingerr]

Wellllllllllll.....how did it turn out?