Production of maple syrup in Utah – can we do this? – ETV NEWS

The production of maple syrup is not traditionally related to the Western states. Most maple syrup in the United States comes from New England, with Vermont being the highest production country. Through the research and community’s commitment, the expansion of the State University in Utah shows people how to touch and process SAP from trees such as Boxelder and Bigtooth Maple, which are well suited to the climate of the Mountain Western Region.

The production of maple syrup involves collecting juice and boiling to create a sweet, familiar amber syrup. Although laborious, this process is modernized by the use of modern equipment such as vacuum pumps, reverse osmosis systems and efficient evaporators. These innovations help both new and experienced manufacturers optimize their operations, making Maple Sugaring in a viable enterprise for more people and communities.

“Traditionally, maple syrup production has been concentrated in the northeastern United States, but our research shows that Western trees like Bigtooth Maples and Boxelders also give high quality SAP,” says Youping Sun, a USU associate professor at a landscape gardener and project manager. “With the right techniques of Utah and the surrounding states, they can grow a thriving maple syrup industry.”

Manufacturers can collect SAP using methods ranging from the traditional Spile and Bucket system to modern pipes for pipes, facilitating larger operations. Pipe systems minimize labor and improve yields by using gravity or vacuum pumps to collect juice from multiple trees in one place.

Once collected, SAP is treated in syrup by evaporation. Reverse osmosis systems are often used to remove excess juice water before boiling, reducing energy consumption while maintaining the rich aroma of syrup.

“Maple sugar is not just a production process – it’s a connection with the land and a way to celebrate our natural resources,” says Greg Vit, President of Woodland Hills Outdoors/Bigtooth Maple Project at Woodland Hills, Utah. “Through our efforts, we hope to inspire more people to explore this rewarding activity.”

Usu Extension provides educational programs and information about maple sugar resources, including practical seminars, online resources, facts, videos and partnerships with local communities for the dissemination of trees, SAP collection and syrups processing.