Overview
Most regions of the province had very good sap flow this week. Many noted strong flows on Wednesday/Thursday and Sunday/Monday. Colder regions mainly reported small runs. Respondents in Southwestern Ontario are wrapping up after having an incredible season. Many respondents in Quinte & District have also surpassed their average yields. No problems with filtering or off-flavours were reported.
Southwestern (5 – number of respondents)
Sap flow seems to be slowing down in this region, but producers still reported some good runs. Mostly dark syrup was produced, with some amber and very dark syrup also made. Flavour was generally reported to be good. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.0. Some respondents noted that filtering syrup was a bit harder this week with lots of niter.
Respondents have produced between 1.35 – 3.7 L/tap, representing 90% -to well over 100% of their average crop. Most respondents produced just over 2 L/tap. A producer with both hard and soft maple noted that their soft maples have begun to bud out. This producer got about 1.5L/tap from their soft maples, while getting 3.7L/tap from their hard maples. Most respondents have ended their season, with some waiting a little longer.
Grey-Bruce & District (9)
A few respondents had poor sap flow, but the majority had a good week, especially on Wednesday and Thursday. Both golden and amber syrup were produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.5. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering. Respondents have made between 0.25 – 1.3 L/tap so far, representing 25-75% of their average crop.
Waterloo-Wellington (5)
Sap flow seemed to be fairly good over the past week. Both amber and dark syrup were produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.7 – 2.0. One respondent had an incredible amount of niter during their last boil and had difficulty filtering. Respondents have made between 0.75 -1.5 L/tap so far, representing 60 – 100% of their average crop. One producer has finished their season and another notes that some trees are beginning to bud out.
Simcoe & District (10)
Most respondents had very strong flows this week. Both amber and dark syrup were made with good flavour. Golden, amber and dark syrup were all produced with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 3.0. A few respondents noted there was a lot of niter, which made it difficult to filter, but most had no issues. Respondents have made between 0.4 – 1.8 L/tap so far, representing 40-80% of their average crop.
Algoma (3)
One respondent had fair sap flow, but the others had only small runs this week. Only dark syrup was produced, with good flavour. One producer noted that caramel flavours were strong earlier, but now maple flavour is beginning to dominate. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.5. No issues with filtering were reported. One respondent has not boiled yet, while the others have made about 20-25% of their average crop so far, with up to 0.25 L/tap being reported.
Algonquin & District (8)
For most respondents, sap flow started to pick up again early this week after a long cold stretch. Both amber and dark syrup were produced with good flavour. One producer found filtering moderately difficult, and another noted a lot of filter aid was required this week. Sap brix ranged from 2.1 – 2.5. Respondents have made between 0-25% of their average crop so far.
Haliburton-Kawartha (5)
Most respondents had some good runs this week. Mostly amber syrup was produced, with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.0 – 2.8. A couple of producers noted there was a lot of niter, but most had no issues filtering. Respondents have made between 0.5 – 1 L/tap so far, representing 50 – 95% of their average crop. A couple of producers have noted that there is still a lot of snow in their bush.
Ottawa Valley District (2)
Sap only just began to flow for one respondent, while the other had a couple of runs this week. Only one of the respondents made syrup. Golden syrup was made, with good flavour, from 3.4 brix sap. This producer had lots of niter and filtering was difficult. The producer made 7% of their average crop so far.
Quinte & District (8)
Most respondents had great sap flow again this week. Golden, amber, and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 1.8 – 2.5. Most respondents didn’t have any trouble filtering, although a couple of producers noted that niter was get heavier and one had some minor issues one day. Most respondents have made between 1.15 – 2.04 L/tap, representing about 100 – 130% of their average crop. A couple of smaller producers have decided to end their season.
Lanark & District (5)
Most respondents had decent sap flow this week. Mostly amber syrup was produced, with good flavour. A couple of producers noted some butterscotch notes coming through. Sap brix ranged from 1.9 – 3.0. No issues with filtering were reported. Most respondents made between 0.5 – 0.98 L/tap so far, with one producer making 2.3L/tap, representing 62-85% of their average crop. One producer notes that they’ve had to thaw their lines and tanks numerous times before boiling this year.
Eastern (5)
A couple of respondents had only slow to average flows, while others had some heavy flows. Golden, amber, and dark syrup were all made with good flavour. Sap brix ranged from 2.1 – 3.0. Respondents didn’t have any problems filtering, although one had a lot of niter. Respondents have made between 0.5 – 1 L/tap so far, representing 40 – 75% of their average crop. One producer noted that the flower buds of their silver maple are beginning to swell.