It’s Sap Season. What That Means for Syrup

Did you know that Pennsylvania consistently ranks in the top 5 to 7 maple producing states each year? In 2020, Pennsylvania put 710,000 taps into maple trees and made 169,000 gallons of syrup. That’s a lot of sap!

When Is Maple Sugaring Season?
It typically starts around mid-February and runs for four to eight weeks, depending on the weather. Sap flow is best on sunny days with temperatures above 40 degrees and nights with temperatures around 20 degrees.

How Does It Work?
During cold months, maple trees store starch in their trunks, and when late winter / early spring arrives, the starches convert to sugar sap. This time of year is a great opportunity to learn more about maple trees — our native woods have several species that can be tapped for their sap (red, silver, and Norway maples). After they’re tapped, the sap is boiled until it reaches a proper density for syrup.

Can I Do It?
With access to a maple tree and a small tube (called a spile), anyone can! Learn from the experts at Grow Pittsburgh’s Backyard Farm School maple sugaring workshop this coming Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. ($10)

🥞 All of this maple talk has me craving a stack of Pamela’s thin, lacy pancakes.

👀 Keep an eye out for Boaz Frankel’s upcoming “Yinzer Backstage Pass” for a look at how Chatham University taps their favorite trees!