It’s that time of year again…..maple syrup time! Near the end of February is when freezing and thawing temperatures begin and maple syrup makers make their way around their sugarbush drilling 1cm wide holes, 5cm deep into the trunks of the maple trees. The trees are then tapped, a spout is attached and a bucket is hung to collect the sap from the tree.
Mid-March to the end of April is usually when the temperatures shift and the pressure inside the tree changes which then allows the sap to start flowing. Sap is then collected by walking from tree to tree. The sap is then boiled down to make syrup. The sap must be boiled the same day it is collected.
Visiting a sugarhouse or “sugar shack” in the spring time is a popular family outing. During this time of year there are lots of fun Maple Syrup activities going on throughout Ontario; Maple Syrup festivals, pancake breakfasts, sugarbush tours and testing out all kinds of maple syrup goodies.
Check the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association website for a listing of Maple Syrup Festivals:
1st Annual Maple Weekend – April 4 – 5, 2015
This year will be the first Annual Maple Weekend, which will be held on April 4 – 5, 2015 from 10 to 4. Areas participating in the Maple Weekend are located in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Frontenac and the City of Ottawa. Maple Weekend gives people the opportunity to see how maple products are produced, from tree to table, as well as the chance to taste and purchase quality maple products. Here is what to expect when you visit the first Annual Maple Weekend; maple syrup producers will be offering free samples of fresh syrup, maple candies and other confections, pancake breakfasts, sugarbush trails, sugar making demonstrations, syrup on snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more.
Experience the craft of making maple syrup and taste why pure Ontario maple syrup is a favourite springtime treat. www.mapleweekend.ca
Maple Syrup Recipes: Once you pick up some fresh maple syrup try some of these delicious Maple Syrup recipes.
- Balsamic-Maple Acorn Squash https://tinyurl.com/krus6pz
- Crock Pot Maple Brown Sugar Ham https://tinyurl.com/m6kqqku
- Maple Glazed Carrots https://tinyurl.com/l3ptyv8
- Maple Cake https://tinyurl.com/nytttkj