Maple Sap Tap (photo by Joe Zlomek, courtesy of morgueFile.com)

It’s been a difficult season for making maple syrup as “…warm weather is stunting sugaring season in some places,” according to a report from the Associated Press published by Yahoo! News.

The AP story quotes Peter Thomson, president of the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association, “Each season has its own personality. I don't know where they got the personality this year, but it's not cooperating.”

In good conditions the warmer days of spring accompanied by still freezing nights in northern climes bring about pressure changes within the trees’ root systems. That creates a pumping effect that allows for the collection of sap from the trunks of the trees.

Foodies Tap Their Own

But a short supply of somewhat pricey maple syrup in food stores won’t effect everyone equally. The Globe and Mail has published a story about foodies in Canada and the U.S. who are making their own maple syrup while having fun at sap boiling parties. The Globe story relates that Teresa Marrone of Minneapolis, Minnesota produced a respectable 5 1/2 litres of finished syrup last year.

Some have even tapped trees in cemeteries says the report, a practice described as “tacky” by local authorities in central Massachusetts. Novice urban tapper Maggie Sullivan of Bloomington, Indiana soundly advises asking for permission before tapping trees on other people’s property.

A Great Gift from Native Americans

The Native Americans were the first to use maple syrup as a flavoring. They called their delicious syrup, "sinzibukwud," which means, "sweet buds." They may not have had stacks of pancakes to pour it over, but they did use it to flavor stews, breads, teas, and vegetables, including indigenous cranberries.

We are forever in their debt for teaching their skills to French and English settlers!

To read the story from the Associated Press cited above, go to: Balmy spring shortens maple syrup season for some

To read the story from The Globe and Mail cited above, go to: Aunt Jemima no more: Foodies make their own maple syrup

If you can’t take on the challenge of making your own maple syrup, but would like to purchase the finest Grade A Light Amber maple syrup, go to: 100% Pure Organic Maple Syrup (Free Shipping!)

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