Maple syrup has long been popular not only in the US but also in different parts of the world. It is often used on pancakes, waffles and dessert recipes. It is unclear how and when its production started but many experts think that it has been practiced in the US for thousands of years. American natives would tap the Maple tree, make an opening, collect the sap and boil it by dropping hot stones into it. Most maple syrup is made from sugar maple sap. The reason for this is that it has an average 2% sugar content. Sap from other species of maple trees has lower sugar content and you need twice as much sap to have the same amount of syrup. The resulting syrups from different types of maple trees have great flavors as long as it is properly processed. 
There are a lot of consumers who ask if there are differences when it comes to the taste and quality of the syrup. There are factors that can affect the flavor of the maple syrup. It includes the tree, soil type, weather conditions during the sugaring season and the techniques used in processing the syrup. Maple-producing states and provinces also follow their own laws in regulating syrup. The grade of the syrup is usually indicated on the bottle. In Vermont, a minimum sugar content of 66.9% is required in its maple syrup products while in New York, a minimum of 66% is required. States which don’t have specific regulations should follow the USDA guidelines. Canada, on the other hand, uses color standards and this is why syrups usually get darker depending on the grade. Types of Maple Trees Sugar Maple Sugar Maple trees grow in most regions of Minnesota. It can reach a height of up to 100 feet and trunk in excess of three feet. These types of trees usually have a clean trunk and good height when in forests while open-grown ones have a dense and rounded top. The barks on young trees are light gray or brown and smooth. As it ages, the barks break into long ones that loosen vertically on its side. The wood is close-grained, strong and has a light-brown to reddish color. The maple syrup of Sugar Maple is preferred by most consumers because of its high sugar content. Its subtle flavour appeals the most to consumers and is often used as a sweetener in desserts. Red Maple Red Maple is most common in the north central and north eastern parts of Minnesota. Because this type of Maple tree grows in moist soil, it is usually found in areas near wetlands. However, it is also found on areas that are drier along with other types of trees. It is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet and one to two feet in diameter. It can grow quickly although it is short-lived compared to other types. There are people who cultivate it for decoration purposes. Its bark is smooth and has a light gray color which gets darker as it ages. Its wood is referred to as soft maple and is light brown, heavy, weak and close-grained. It is often used for furniture or fuel. Silver Maple Also known as soft maple, Silver Maple naturally grows in most parts of Minnesota. It is usually planted as a tree on yards or streets. It can reach a height of sixty feet with a diameter of four feet. The bark is smooth and gray which becomes darker and furrowed as it gets older. The wood is hard and strong with lighter-colored sapwood. Boxelder Boxelder is the most widespread type found across not only Minnesota but the US. It usually grows in moist areas although it can adapt to various conditions. It can grow seventy feet in height and four feet in width. The bark is pale gray or light brown. It is also deeply divided with scaly ridges. Tapping the Maple Tree It is by tapping the maple tree that you would know if the sap is ready to be harvested. There are a lot of individuals who are hesitant to tap their own trees as they are not sure whether or not they can start harvesting the sap. However, it can be quite simple as long as you have the right equipment. The sap starts to flow around February or March depending on the weather condition. It is also important for you to determine what type of maple tree you have and from there, know what supplies you will need. The flow of the sap depends highly on weather conditions. It would not begin until after a period of hard freeze which is followed by many days with temperatures in the 40s. This is because the peak flow of the sap occurs in the sugaring season when it freezes at night and the sun is out the following day. However, the flow will stop when either the daytime temperatures don’t go above freezing or night temperatures are not below freezing. The flow usually lasts around three to four weeks. While it flows, you should collect the sap daily particularly late in the afternoon. If the tree is tapped too early, the holes drilled will seal over and the flow of the sap will be significantly prevented. You can drill holes again though when you are sure that the flow has started. Tapping Process The hole should be drilled about 3 feet from the ground and 1 ½ to 2 inches into the trunk with a slight upward slope. This is to make sure that the sap flows out of the hole and that it will run out on its own. Also, drill the hole on the side of the maple tree that receives sunlight. Use a brace with a 3/8-inch bit to make the hole on the sunniest side of the tree. It is best to use a 3-gallon bucket to collect the sap. However, you can use bottles as well. The downside of using bottles is that you will have to empty it many times in a day particularly during a heavy flow. If the sap is flowing, the turning will appear damp. It is important to check the bucket daily. The accumulated spa should be collected and boiled down. When boiling the sap, use a wide shallow pan. It is also best to boil it in an area with good circulation because a large amount of moisture is turned to steam. You will know that the syrup is done when it has an oily appearance. Its temperature should also be between 104 to 106 degrees Celsius. Store it in jars and use it at home for breakfast such as pancakes and waffles and dessert recipes.
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