What type of maple tree makes syrup how to#

Identify Maple Trees: Sugar Maple Fast Facts In the right spot, a sugar maple will thrive with little to no care or attention from you. Because of its large size, the sugar maple also needs plenty of room and should be given ample space when planted. Sugar maple trees are more sensitive than other varieties and thrive away from sources of pollution and congestion. Depending on the cultivar, the tree can survive in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. Mature sugar maples can be around 100 feet in height with a spread of 80 feet. Twigs are slim, shiny and brown, and the fruit of the sugar maple consists of winged seeds that join each other in a straight line and mature in the fall. The bark starts dark grey and matures to dark brown with vertical ridges. Sugar maple leaves are round at the base, usually with five lobes and no fine teeth. The five-lobed leaf has a starring role on the flag of Canada. Even if you're not sure that you've seen a sugar maple in the wild, you've seen a picture of its leaf. Before its leaves fall, they change from green to red, orange or yellow. Like other maples, it's a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) might be the tree that comes to mind when most people think of a maple tree.

What type of maple tree makes syrup how to#

Knowing how to identify a maple tree and the type of tree it is will help you out as you get started on your maple syrup-making project. Other types of trees, like oak trees, also produce sap, but you probably don't want to be making syrup from it. For example, birch and walnut trees will produce sap that you can use to make syrup, but they won't give you maple syrup. It's also worth noting that you want to be able to tell the difference between different species of trees. Some types of trees will produce better quality or sweeter syrup than others. Some maple trees are better for sap collecting than others. What Are the Different Types of Maple Trees?īefore you can make maple syrup, you've got to be familiar with different maple trees. It might sound difficult, but it's not, and the delicious results will be well worth the effort. Next, you'll want to gather your supplies and get to work tapping the trees. If you're going to make your own maple syrup, the first step is to identify maple trees in your yard. Although DIY maple syrup can seem like a project that's out of the reach of the average person, the truth is that if you have the right type of trees on or around your property, you can tap them and harvest a supply of sap to turn into golden maple syrup. What can make maple syrup even more special? Making your own. The syrup, which shouldn't be confused with 'pancake syrup,' adds notes of vanilla and caramel to your breakfast. Maple syrup adds a sweet touch and a bit of specialness to a plate of waffles, pancakes or French toast.