Classroom Sugarin’ A Lesson that Sticks With You Classroom Sugarin’ A Lesson that Sticks With You by Pete Barnum

Maple Syrup in the Classroom Lesson 1 Legend of Discovery Introduction to the Maple Sugaring

Maple Syrup in the Classroom Maple Syrup Industry Maple syrup production is the oldest agricultural enterprise in the United States. Native Americans taught European settlers the process of making maple syrup. Maple syrup is unique because production rarely meets demand. Vermont is the leading state of production. Maple Syrup Production provides over $50 million annually to U.S. farms. 1.1

Maple Syrup in the Classroom Maple Syrup in Michigan Michigan ranks 5th in the production of maple syrup producing approximately 90,000 gallons of syrup annually. Maple syrup industry contributes $2.5 million annually in Michigan. 1.2

Maple Syrup in the Classroom The Discovery of Maple Syrup – –A young boy was asked by his mother to fetch a pail of water. On his way to the creek he passed a hollowed out log that was full of “water.” He brought that “water” back for his mother so he didn’t have to walk so far. His mother used the “water” to cook a rabbit. When the family ate the rabbit, it tasted sweet like never before. 1.3

Maple Syrup in the Classroom The Discovery of Maple Syrup Cont. – –His mother and father asked where he brought the water from. They went back to the hollowed log to see if that “water” could have made it taste sweet. When they tasted the “water” it was slightly sweet. When they looked up they noticed that the tip of a maple tree branch was broken and dripping sap into the log. That is how maple syrup was first discovered. 1.4

Maple Syrup in the Classroom Where and When is Maple Syrup Made? Maple syrup is only produced commercially in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Maple syrup is made during the months of February, March and April. Maple sap runs when there are freezing nights and warm days during late winter and early spring. 1.5

Maple Syrup in the Classroom Select Trees to Tap Tap Trees Collect Sap Boil Sap Test for Finished Syrup Filter and Can Syrup The Basic Process 1.6