On this podcast episode Harold Interviews Rachel about tapping trees and making syrup on a homestead scale. We dive into what trees to tap, the tree tapping process, and making the syrup. If you’ve ever wanted to get started making your own syrup, this episode has you covered.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 261 – October 28, 2024
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Making your own maple syrup is a fun and rewarding activity for any homesteader or outdoor enthusiast. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of trees and learn more about nature’s cycles. This guide is designed for anyone interested in tapping trees on a small, homestead scale—not necessarily for commercial use. Here, you’ll find practical tips, the types of trees you can tap, and what to expect from the process.
Why Tap Trees?
Tapping trees for syrup is a simple way to create delicious, natural sweeteners right from your own backyard. Maple syrup is the most well-known, but did you know there are over 27 types of trees that can be tapped for their sap? This includes various maple species, birch trees, walnut trees, and even some tropical varieties like palm trees. Each type of tree has its own unique flavor, offering a chance to explore and experiment.
Trees You Can Tap
Many people think only sugar maples produce syrup, but other trees can also be tapped for a distinct twist on the classic flavor. Here’s a list of the trees you can tap:
Maples
- Several kinds, most sugar is in sugar maple. Tapped in spring or late winter when temps are above freezing in the day and below freezing at night. Lasts around 4-6 weeks. 40:1
- Black- More western and about the same as Sugar Maple
- Red- Almost the same as a Sugar Maple, because they bud early they can be harder to get syrup and the season can be short.
- Silver- lower sugar content, syrup will be lighter colored and thinner, they also produce a sugar sand that will need to be filtered out.
- Norway
- Boxelder- this is actually a form of maple and is 60:1, used a lot in northern canada. Apparently it tastes a bit like sorghum syrup.
- Bigleaf Maple
- Bightooth Maple
- Rocky Mountain Maple- as the name suggests…spring is rarely the right temps there to tap.
- Gorosoe- Tapped in Korea. They don’t typically boil this sap down, they typically just drink it. They go on binges for health benefits and sit in hot rooms.
- *In North America sap is also becoming popular and made into seltzer’s, some even can it up and sell it.
- You can use a sodastream or something similar to add carbonation.
Birch
- Norway, Sweden, Canada, 110;1 They do produce a bit later, usually just after Maple are finished. Lasts 2 weeks
- Traditionally used as a sweetener, vinegar, liquors, wines and ales plus some traditional medicine.
- Paper Birch- highest sugar content
- Yellow Birch-highest levels of antioxidants. Buds early and has a very short 2 week season.
- Black Birch is used for beer.
- River Birch-
- Gray Birch-
- European White Birch
Alder
- In the birch family
Nut Trees
- These produce far less sap
- Black Walnut
- Butternut
- Heartnut- Japanese version of English Walnut
- Buartnut
- English Walnut
- Sycamore
- Linden (basswood)- most parts are edible so…
- Ironwood
- Hickory
- Elm
Palm
- Coconut palm and other species- some of these far out produce sugar maples
Gathering the Right Supplies
If you’re ready to get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- Drill and Bit: A 7/16-inch drill bit is common for making the hole for your spile (the spout that directs the sap).
- Spile: This is the piece you tap into the tree to draw out the sap. They come in stainless steel, plastic, and even aluminum.
- Collection Containers: Options include traditional buckets, plastic bags, or tubing that leads sap directly into a larger container like a barrel.
- Boiling Equipment: A large pot and an outdoor heat source like a rocket stove or a propane burner are needed for boiling down the sap into syrup. Many people prefer to do this outside due to the humidity.
- Filters: Cone-shaped filters or reusable coffee filters help remove impurities from the syrup before storage.
- Hammer: To lightly tap the spile in
- Tubing, bags, buckets(with lid)
- Holding containers: like 55 gallon drums or 5 gallon buckets
- Pan for boiling
- Fire or stove
- Maybe a syrup hydrometer
- Jars to finished product
- A good book or some fun conversation
The Tapping Process
Tapping a tree is straightforward, but timing is everything. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Pick the Right Tree: Trees should be at least 10 inches in diameter to safely tap. A larger crown (the top part of the tree) means more sap.
- Drill Your Hole: Use your 7/16-inch drill bit to make a hole about 1.5-2 inches deep, aiming slightly upward so the sap can flow out easily.
- Insert the Spile: Gently hammer in the spile with a rubber mallet or even push it in by hand if it fits snugly.
- Attach Your Collection Method: Hang a bucket with a lid or attach tubing that directs the sap into a larger container.
- Monitor and Collect: Keep an eye on your containers, as a tree can produce anywhere from a trickle to a steady flow. The best sap flow happens when temperatures are below freezing at night but above freezing during the day.
How Much Sap Will You Get?
The amount of sap depends on the tree’s size, health, and weather conditions. On average, a sugar maple might produce around 15 gallons of sap per tap over the season, which boils down to about 1 quart of syrup. Since it takes around 40 gallons of sugar maple sap to make one gallon of syrup, be prepared for a lot of boiling!
Boiling Down the Sap
Boiling sap is where the magic happens! The process reduces the water content, leaving behind the sweet syrup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start Outdoors: Boil down large quantities outside to avoid turning your home into a sauna. A large stock pot over a wood-fired stove or propane burner works great.
- Watch the Temperature: Using a candy thermometer, boil the sap until it reaches about 219°F. This ensures the syrup has the right consistency.
- Filter and Store: Use a filter to remove any leftover impurities, and store your syrup in clean jars.
Tree-Friendly Tapping
One concern with tapping trees is the potential harm it might cause. If done properly, tapping should not damage a healthy tree. The holes heal over in the summer, and new ones are drilled each year, ideally spaced apart from previous ones. It’s important to avoid tapping diseased trees, as they may be more vulnerable.
Different Flavors and Uses
Maple syrup is the classic, but different trees produce syrups with unique flavors:
- Birch Syrup: Has a more caramel-like taste but requires much more sap—up to 110 gallons for one gallon of syrup!
- Black Walnut: Offers a rich, nutty flavor that’s different from maple.
- Box Elder: This syrup is said to have a sorghum-like taste.
Some trees, like those in Korea, are tapped for their sap without boiling it down, enjoying it as a health drink. Sap from birch and other trees can even be used to make seltzers or vinegar.
Boiling Tips and Tricks
- Use Food-Grade Containers: To keep your sap safe for consumption, use food-grade buckets and barrels.
- Keep an Eye on Your Pot: Boiling sap can easily scorch, especially as it gets closer to syrup. Stirring and managing the heat helps avoid burning.
- Work with Neighbors: If you don’t have enough trees, ask neighbors if you can tap theirs in exchange for a bottle of syrup. It’s a great way to build community and share the sweet rewards.
Wrapping It Up
Tapping trees for syrup is a wonderful way to embrace the seasons and enjoy a natural treat. Whether you’re trying it out for the first time or have been doing it for years, it’s a fun tradition that brings a little sweetness to the end of winter. With a few taps, some patience, and a love for nature, you’ll be enjoying your own homemade syrup in no time.
Happy tapping and enjoy the sweet taste of nature’s bounty!
Links Mentioned In The Podcast
- https://practicalselfreliance.com/trees-species-tap-syrup/
- Medicinal benefits of sap for many trees: https://treesunlimitednj.com/harvesting-sap-trees-reaping-benefits-natural-medicine/
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7676558/what-is-maple-water-and-should-you-be-drinking-it/
- Interesting site for many tree species with information on uses including medicinal: https://www.songofthewoods.com/basswood-tilia-americana/
- Maine’s Manual (pretty sure they have this one down pat!)- https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/7036e/
- Tapping Birch Trees: Alaska kinda has this one handled. https://alaskabirchsyrup.com/backyard-birch-syrup-basics-supplies/
- Amazon Maple Syrup Tapping kit: https://amzn.to/3X1c0CQ
- Amazon Spiles: https://amzn.to/3k2Eg9r
- https://amzn.to/3GpPGeY
- Lehman’s page for tapping trees: https://www.lehmans.com/category/sugaring-supplies
- Recipe for Maple Vinegar: https://foragerchef.com/maple-sap-vinegar/
- Health Benefits of Maple Water: https://wildfoodism.com/2015/02/24/the-health-benefits-of-drinking-maple-tree-sap/
- Information about tapping Palm trees: http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd11/1/dali111.htm#:~:text=Most%20tapped%20palm%20trees%20gives,in%20Asia%2C%20Africa%20and%20America.
- https://youtu.be/DmPs46wJKQc
- I found that there is something called a “Sap Moon, Sugar moon” named by native americans. http://thefarmersmuseum.blogspot.com/2011/02/maple-sugaring-during-full-sap-moon.html
- Source: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Vitr.%202.9&lang=original
- https://www.facebook.com/northmenguild/videos/2514412308697940/?vh=e&mibextid=v7YzmG
- https://www.facebook.com/northmenguild/videos/2514412308697940/?vh=e&mibextid=v7YzG
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