This weekend we're getting the big tease - almost 60 degrees are predicted for Sunday! The spring bulbs are starting to peak through the fallen leaves, the chipmunks are out teasing Darcy, the hens are trying to brood (but I'll make them wait another 2 weeks before I let them sit on eggs), and.....the sap is running! That means maple syruping time! But, in reality, it's box elder syruping time at Maggie's Farm.
Maple trees and box elder trees are related, and it's true that you can get a wonderful syrup from the box elder tree. I once read in a "How to Make Maple Syrup" booklet that the native Americans were quoted as saying that "the only thing wrong with box elder syrup is that there isn't enough of it." I'm somewhat skeptical of this because box elder trees are often considered "weed trees". They are the first to take over a field that has been abandoned by a farmer, and that's the case with my little farm. Box elder trees are in abundance around here, so when in Rome.....
So here are some photos of the process and a little video of our boiling contraption - something my sister showed me - made out of my old washing machine. We used to take this burner on a sled to the ski hill when my sons raced - it kept them warm in between races and cooked up some wonderful food at the same time!
Maple trees and box elder trees are related, and it's true that you can get a wonderful syrup from the box elder tree. I once read in a "How to Make Maple Syrup" booklet that the native Americans were quoted as saying that "the only thing wrong with box elder syrup is that there isn't enough of it." I'm somewhat skeptical of this because box elder trees are often considered "weed trees". They are the first to take over a field that has been abandoned by a farmer, and that's the case with my little farm. Box elder trees are in abundance around here, so when in Rome.....
So here are some photos of the process and a little video of our boiling contraption - something my sister showed me - made out of my old washing machine. We used to take this burner on a sled to the ski hill when my sons raced - it kept them warm in between races and cooked up some wonderful food at the same time!