Maple syrup fans can rejoice because, according to Red Mill Maple Syrup in Millbrook, it’s going to be a good season this year — and you can tell because they had to wear snowshoes to tap the trees.
“We’re happy about all the snow and we’re happy about this winter because, to us, this is a normal winter,” says Julie Vallieres. “This is how it should be. Maple syrup season will be so much better just because we have so much more snow.”
According to Vallieres, snow is a good sign for maple syrup producers because it acts as an insulator that protects tree roots from freezing solid and cools the air to stall the trees from budding too early, even in warmer temperatures.
To start tapping, the tree sap must begin to flow, which only happens when temperatures are above freezing in the daytime but still below freezing at night.
This typically occurs between February and April in Ontario though, in unseasonably warm years, Red Mill Maple Syrup has had to tap as early as late January. Early tapping can result in a short collection season and, if the weather remains warm, less sugar production and poor-quality syrup.
“I was so happy about having a normal winter because in previous years, mother nature was all over the place,” says Vallieres. “When it’s too hot too soon it’s not good, because once it’s not freezing anymore, that’s when the sap goes all the way up the trees to the branches. When the birds are coming out, it’s too late. Even if it’s cold again after, it’s too late.”
Vallieres and her husband Sebastien Poulin have been tapping on their 100-acre property since they purchased it in 2011. She says they both “have maple syrup in our blood,” having been raised on sugar shacks in Beauce, Quebec, a region well-known for producing maple syrup.
“It’s not just maple syrup equals pancakes (in Quebec). It’s maple syrup everywhere. We have maple drinks. We have meats that are marinated with maple. We’re trying to show people and educate people that maple syrup is so much more. You can use it in so many other ways than just maple syrup and pancakes.”
Although she’s predicting this season will offer a long collection period, Red Mill Maple Syrup — named in honour of the local Needler’s Mill — did have to navigate some additional challenges this season, due to last year’s severe ice storm that impacted much of central and eastern Ontario. There was a lot of damage done to the tree canopies and destruction to the tubes in their collection pipelines.
“Because there was so much damage, we wanted to make sure we’re ready when the season hits,” Vallieres says. “We’re almost all tapped but the parts that are not tapped, it’s because the lines are broken. We need to replace them, install them again, and then tap.”
Vallieres says that’s just one example of the behind-the-scenes steps of the production process that people don’t realize when they’re enjoying their maple syrup.
“Even with the new technology, there’s so much work to do every night,” she says. “It looks easy to make — just take sap and boil it — but it’s so much science. There’s so much respect to make sure that your syrup is well done and (has) the right consistency.”
Kawarthas region residents will have the opportunity to see how maple syrup is made during several upcoming events celebrating the season.
On Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15, the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival is being held in Trent Hills for its 38th year. Hop on a free shuttle bus from the village of Warkworth to Sandy Flat Sugar Bush to enjoy demonstrations, a pancake breakfast, horse and wagon rides, maple taffy in the snow, and live music.
Back in the village, Maplelicious will be in full swing, bustling with maple-themed fun including a beer garden, mini putt, an artisan sale, an art exhibit, and a whole lot more. For a full schedule, visit warkworthmaplesyrupfestival.ca.
On Sunday, March 15 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival will officially launch the season with its annual first tapping ceremony at Harlaine Farms (1015 Brock Concession Rd 1, Sunderland). Dignitaries, festival organizers, maple producers, and local residents will gather to witness the tapping of the first maple tree.
The 29th annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival takes place on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 just 30 kilometres outside of Lindsay in Durham Region. Hop on a bus to travel to the Harlaine Farms sugar shack to learn about historical and contemporary methods of production. Throughout the town, there will be a petting zoo, demonstrations, live music, a tractor pull, a vendor market, and so much more.
To learn more, visit maplesyrupfestival.ca.
In early April, the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association presents the annual Maple Weekend, a province-wide celebration of maple season when producers invite guests to learn about the process, enjoy maple-flavoured products, and see why pure Ontario maple syrup is unmatched.
This year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5. Over the weekend, Red Mill Maple Syrup will be inviting visitors to its new maple syrup bar for a taste of traditional French Canadian crepes, taffy, and unique maple-flavoured products.
In the Haliburton Highlands, not only are producers hosting experiences during Maple Weekend, but restaurants will be serving up maple-flavoured entrées, treats, and drinks. From maple-glazed salmon to maple-dusted wings, and maple cookies, there will be no escaping the sweetness of the season. To learn more, visit myhaliburtonhighlands.com/maple-weekend/.
Here are the maple syrup producers in the Kawarthas region taking part in this year’s Maple Weekend:
- Clancey & Gale’s Maple Products (542 Waite Road West, Pontypool, 705-277-9420, gclavender@outlook.com)
- Johnston’s Farm Market (10704 Northumberland County Road 28, Bailieboro, 705-939-1737, johnfarm@nexicom.net)
- Rainbow Woods (65 Ripley’s Way, Kirkfield, 705-454-3167, paulreed@xplornet.com)
- Colour of Wood (1255 Peterson Rd, Minden, 249-993-0134, colourofwood@gmail.com)
- Waverley Brook Farm (6359 Gelert Road, Haliburton, 705-457-2214, gjtyler1912@gmail.com)
- Sweet Maple Farm (10010 Powerline Rd, Millbrook, 705-932-2418, rjmbcripley@nexicom.net)
- Red Mill Maple Syrup (1232 Deyell Line, Millbrook, 705-927-6376, redmillmaplesyrup@gmail.com)
- Woodleigh Farms (528 Sharpe Line, Cavan, 705 -761-2063, woodleighfarms@gmail.com)
- J & K Sugar Shack (3804 Challice Line, Millbrook, 705-932-2817, jjcampfirewood@nexicom.net)
- Staples Maple Syrup (403 Hwy 7A, Cavan, 705-933-8295, staplesmaplesyrup@outlook.com)
For more information about Maple Weekend, including the days when the listed producers are participating, visit mapleweekend.ca.
