AY Honors/Maple Sugar/Requirements

Maple Sugar

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1. What part of the world and time of year does the maple sugar industry function and why?

2. Explain how sweet sap is made by the Maple tree and how it is stored over the winter.

3. Identify the Sugar Maple tree by its bark and leaf.

4. How deep into a Maple tree does one drill for best results?

5. How long does it take for a healthy Maple tree tap's hole to heal?

6. How close to an old tap hole can a new tap hole be made?

7. How many taps can be made on a healthy Maple tree without injuring it?

a. 10 inch (25.4 cm) diameter tree

b. 12 inch (30.5 cm) diameter tree

c. 24 inch (61.0 cm) diameter tree

d. 36 inch (91.4 cm) diameter tree

8. Tell how maple sugar is made from maple syrup.

9. What is the ideal weather for sap to flow?

10. Does a Maple tree crown (limb & leaf area) affect the sap flow and sweetness?

11. On an average, how much sap is needed to produce one gallon of syrup?

12. Taste pure maple syrup or maple sugar.

13. Observe and explain what the following maple sugaring equipment is used for:

a. Drill

b. Bit

c. Spigot

d. Bucket

e. Bucket cover

f. Evaporator