Maple Syrup & More!
March 3, 2019
We have started tapping the trees, getting the gear ready and making certain we have enough bottles. Maple Syrup season is just around the corner. It’s a bit delayed for us this year as we went into the deep freeze but next weekend is looking good. For those of you that don’t know, the sap in Maple trees flows when the days are above freezing and the nights go below. That creates the pressure differential and allows the tree to pull the nutrients it needs to bud, flower and leaf out. Maple sap is collected from when the sap starts to flow until the buds pop on the trees. This next weekend we are going to be busy tapping and getting our tanks in place, the pan and arch ready, would split and the sap tanks lined and ready to go. We expect to be collecting lots of sap starting next week. If you want to come out and see what’s involved, send us a message through the form on our contact page!
Did have 1 misstep. I’ve fallen flat on my back twice this Winter already. Don’t get me wrong. I like Winter for it’s own sake as well as for the awakening of all the plants in the Spring. But this Winter has been enough for me. The second time I found myself laying around, staring at the sky like an idle school boy I decided enough is enough. I’m not as young as I used to be and the bruises don’t go away as fast. I’m ready for Winter to give way to Spring. I’m ready for the ice to melt, the snow to go away and the rain and mud to show up along with all the fence building and repairs. OK, maybe a bit more Winter while I catch my breath from the pile of work on its way. As a matter of fact, maybe staring at the beautiful Blue sky on a -10 degree day isn’t as bad as I thought. Except for the bruises of course.
Maple Syrup season also signals the beginning of our summer work season. We will have chicks starting the end of March, field work and planting starting about the end of April through May, Farmers Markets and hay season starting in June. This year we will be in the Stillwater, Mahtomedi and Scandia farmers markets on Saturday morning, Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon respectively. Stop at the markets and say hello. As long as your there, pick up a couple of items. In Stillwater we will have Beef, Chicken and Pork products on hand for sale. At Mahtomedi and Scandia we will have Beef, Chicken, Pork, Eggs, and Maple Syrup.
The anticipation has begun and we are looking to make this our best year ever. We are even talking with a couple of restaurants. I’ll let you know if they pan out. Take care of yourself and we will see you at the markets if not sooner.
Until next time – Live Well,
The Guy with the Hat.