Norfolk’s Sweetest Season on Tap
Upwards of 85 people braved cold, misty weather on Sunday, March 22, for the pleasure of being wrapped in woodsmoke and maple-scented steam steam—an annual ritual at the Great Mountain Forest and other Norfolk sugar houses. Based on decidedly anecdotal observations, many were first timers. Property manager Russell Russ and forester Kate Regan-Loomis provided useful […]
From Freeze to Flow: Extreme Temps and the Maple Syrup Season
Reaching that ideal mix of natural conditions By Jude Mead The extreme cold and heavy snowfall this season has raised some concern among maple syrup producers. Reports of loud, cracking noises in wooded areas have set the stage for a phenomenon called “frost cracking.” During these periods of intense cold, the water and sap inside […]
Bubble and Boil
Russell Russ explains sap collection and syrup making to visitors at Great Mountain Forest’s recent open house. Photo by Peter Chaffetz.
Maple Syrup Season Faced Weather Challenges
By Jude Mead Boiling sap for maple syrup, a beloved natural sweetener produced in Norfolk, is a seasonal ritual this time of year and has a longstanding cultural tradition throughout New England. This year, the treasured tradition was under threat because unfavorable weather conditions posed significant challenges to maple syrup producers. Russell Russ, property manager […]
Tariffs Pose Risks for Maple Syrup
Matt Gallagher, director of programs and operations at Great Mountain Forest, stokes a gleaming sap evaporator—emblem of potential challenges ahead for maple syrup producers. A possible tariff war between the United States and Canada could affect the maple business since most equipment used to make the product comes from Canada. Peter Gregg, publisher of The […]
