FACTS AND FIGURES
Here are some facts and figures concerning Maple Syrup...

* The production of pure maple syrup is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States.
* Maple syrup is one of the few agricultural crops in which demand exceeds supply.
* In an average year, each tap-hole will produce about 10 gallons of maple sap, enough for about a quart of pure maple syrup.
* Maple sap is a slightly sweet, colorless liquid.
* It takes approximately 50 gallons of maple sap to make 1 gallon of maple syrup.
* A gallon of standard maple syrup weighs 11 pounds and has a sugar content of 66 percent.
* Maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested each year.
* Maple syrup is not the recipient of any crop support or subsidy programs.
* A maple tree needs to be about 40 years old and have a diameter of 10 inches before tapping is recommended.
* The maple season in southern Ohio starts in January and runs into March
* Warm sunny days and freezing nights determine the length of the maple season.
* The budding of maple trees makes the maple syrup taste bitter. Thus, production ceases.
* Freezing and thawing temperatures create pressure and force the sap out of the tree.
* A very rapid rise in temperature (25 to 45 degrees) will enhance the sap flow.
* The sugaring season may last 6 to 10 weeks, but during this period, the heavy sap may run only 10-20 days.
* Average sugar concentration of maple sap is about 2.5 percent.
* Maple sap is boiled to remove the water and concentrate the sugars in a process called evaporation.
* In a conventional evaporator one cord of hard wood is required for every 25 gallons of syrup produced.
* Tubing collection systems with vacuum can increase average sap yields approximately 50 percent.
* Maple sap becomes maple syrup when boiled to 219 degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 degrees above the boiling point of water.
* Pure maple syrup has 50 calories per tablespoon and is fat-free. It has no additives, no added coloring and no preservatives.
* Maple syrup has may minerals per tablespoon: 20 milligrams of calcium, 2 milligrams of phosphorus, 0.2 milligrams of iron, 2 milligrams of sodium, 35 milligrams of potassium.
* Maple syrup is classified as one of nature's most healthful foods.