Making Maple Syrup: Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletin A-51

by Noel Perrin

Learn how to tap a maple tree and turn it into maple syrup, whether you plan to tap 2 or 200 trees.  Making Maple Syrup is helpfully divided into three simple systems, depending on how many trees you would like to tap. From tapping only one or two trees (System One), to tapping ten or more (System Two), to becoming a small commercial producer (System Three), each system shares the necessary equipment for maximum maple syrup production and teaches maple sap gathering, boiling, and filtering techniques.   With this informative 30-page booklet, beginners will   How to identify the sugar maple tree When and how to tap for maple sap What equipment best fits their needs How to turn maple sap into maple syrup 
 

Genres: Sustainability

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1983

About the author

Noel Perrin was a professor of English literature, an essayist for the Washington Post, a hobbyist farmer, and a Korean War veteran.

Reviews

[Kit Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this made me want to go out and try my hand at making maple syrup. I have always been interested in maple syrup and have visited a few sugarhouses over the years, but I have never made it myself. This bulletin simplifies the process and gives precise step by step instructions on how to start sugaring, from identifying the trees, to tapping and gathering sap, to boiling and grading your syrup.
I found it a pleasure to read and appreciated the little illustrations throughout, though I would like more illustrations or some color pictures to get a better picture of the tools and processes described.
Though I know I can find all that information in other books and online.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet (no pun intended) how-to for a beginner with little to no knowledge on how to tap trees or where to start. Perrin is clear, easy to understand, and to the point. Very helpful and very informative, with clear explanations on the options for how to get going making maple syrup.

[Michael & Photini Holverson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precise and to the point. Excellent for a beginner, as a refresher, or those in a hurry. The information was clear and appears to be thorough.

[George Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is a quick overview of how to make maple syrup, from identifying the right type of maple, to watching the weather and tapping the trees, collection of sap, and how to cook it down. It describes three levels of amateur syrup making, from one or two trees up to forty of more.
It lists the equipment needed and sources where it can be bought.

[Ray Shullick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Informative

I think the book gave an incredible amount of specific information about making maple syrup whether you're a hobbyist with just a few trees to tap, or you are seriously considering making a business venture out of it. I found it interesting and fun.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to make the outdoor stove next summer. Guess we're a level 2 operation.

[Lisa Pfeifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I was able to successfully make a batch of maple syrup following their instructions on equipment and processing. Highly recommend!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know to make your own maple syrup the old-fashioned way.