At John and Tracie Montville’s backyard farm, producing maple syrup is a cherished tradition that brings us closer to nature and our community. Our small-batch, wood-fired process results in pure, delicious syrup that we affectionately call “liquid gold.”
The Maple Syrup Process
Our journey to creating maple syrup begins with the tapping of our maple trees. Each step of the process is done with care and respect for the environment.
- Tapping the Trees: In early spring, when the days are warm and the nights are still cold, we tap our maple trees. We insert small spouts into the trees to collect the sap, which is then gathered in buckets.
- Collecting the Sap: As the sap flows, we collect it daily, ensuring it remains fresh and ready for boiling. The clear, slightly sweet sap is a testament to the health and vitality of our trees.
Boiling the Sap
The magic of transforming sap into syrup happens in our custom-built, wood-fired stove, affectionately named “Cindy.”
- Cinder Block Stove: Cindy, our cinder block stove, is the heart of our syrup-making process. Built with love and ingenuity, Cindy allows us to boil sap in small batches, ensuring each batch receives the attention it deserves.
- Wood Fire: We use a wood fire to boil the sap, a traditional method that imparts a unique, rich flavor to our syrup. The crackling fire and rising steam create an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation.
Small-Batch Perfection
Boiling sap is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and precision. We carefully monitor the sap as it boils, skimming off impurities and ensuring it reaches the perfect consistency.
- Concentration: As the water evaporates, the sap becomes more concentrated, gradually transforming into the golden syrup we love.
- Finishing Touches: Once the syrup reaches the desired thickness, we filter it to remove any remaining impurities and bottle it while it’s still hot. The result is a smooth, flavorful syrup that captures the essence of our maple trees.
The Taste of Tradition
Our maple syrup is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a reflection of our dedication to sustainable practices and our love for the land. Each bottle of syrup is a labor of love, from the tapping of the trees to the final pour.
- Versatility: Our syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, and French toast. It’s also a delightful addition to recipes, adding a touch of natural sweetness to everything from marinades to baked goods.
- Community Sharing: We take pride in sharing our maple syrup with family, friends, and our community. It’s a way for us to connect with others and share the fruits of our labor.
Join Our Maple Syrup Journey
We invite you to learn more about our maple syrup production and the joys of small-batch, wood-fired syrup making. Whether you’re a fellow syrup enthusiast or simply curious about the process, we hope our story inspires you to appreciate the sweet rewards of nature.
Thank you for visiting, and stay tuned for more updates and stories from our maple syrup adventures!