Recently, I took part in a workshop out of Missouri. The teacher shared with us how to tap maple trees for sap and how to take the sap and turn it into maple syrup. I found this highly exciting. I wasn’t aware making maple syrup was even doable in Oklahoma. Sugar maples are preferred, yet any maple tree can be tapped. You can also tab walnut and birch. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure.
Recently, I took part in a workshop out of Missouri. The teacher shared with us how to tap maple trees for sap and how to take the sap and turn it into maple syrup. I found this highly exciting. I wasn’t aware making maple syrup was even doable in Oklahoma. Sugar maples are preferred, yet any maple tree can be tapped. You can also tab walnut and birch. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure.
Some other things I learned: Sap is mostly water containing nutrients the tree needs to move around its tissues. There are recommended guidelines on how to tap a tree without damaging it. Tree sap contains minerals such as calcium, potassium, silica, magnesium and sodium. When the sap comes out of the tree, it is sterile and can be consumed directly from the tree. (I tried this, the best way I can describe it, it tastes pure, fresh and light.) The sap can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks before processing, after two weeks the sap will sour.
Tree sap has been consumed over the centuries as a spring tonic. At some point, maple syrup was invented by indigenous people in Northeast, America and Southeast Canada.
Currently, I have five trees tapped and they are producing anywhere from 1 to 2 1/2 gallons of sap every 24 hours.
The first batch that I processed, I was scared silly. It took several hours to cook down and I was concerned if the time involved would be worth the effort. I almost jumped up and down with joy after the first taste.
It was heavenly. Why isn’t tapping maple trees common around here? What stopped earlier generations in this area from engaging in making syrup? What kept it predominantly in northern states? Was it the time involved? Higher sugar concentration? I don’t know. I wish my great grandparents were alive so I could ask them about it.
Maybe I’ll do some research on the subject. I’m glad I know about it now. I’ve already learned by a few trials and errors and … added a few handy tips on this journey. If you decide to tap your trees, holler at me, drop me a line. I will be happy to share. Frankly, I would love to see all Okies with their own homemade syrup.
