As the delightful aroma of boiling maple syrup fills the air, the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania invites you to explore its rich tradition of maple production. This weekend, a unique opportunity awaits those curious about the sweet journey from tree to table.
The Endless Mountains Maple Tasting and Tour kicks off a two-day self-guided driving tour that starts on Saturday. Spanning the picturesque Endless Mountains, this event features participation from over two dozen maple syrup producers.
Discover the Maple Syrup Process
Visitors will have the chance to step inside a sugar shack and witness firsthand the transformation of sap into syrup. This educational event is designed for the whole family, offering insights into various syrup-making techniques that have shaped the local industry.
Sally Dewing, who owns Dewy Meadows Farm in Bradford County, shares her expertise on this age-old craft. “The sap house will be open to see how maple syrup is made. Free samples and we will hopefully be boiling so you can smell the delightful aroma of maple cooking,” Dewing explained.
Savor Sweet Delights
Besides gaining knowledge, attendees can indulge in unique maple-infused treats. Dewy Meadows Farm will offer free samples of maple cream and maple mustard, alongside specialties like maple sloppy joes, maple lattes, and maple kettle corn. A breakfast featuring Dewy Meadows Maple syrup will also be served at the Little Meadows firehall.
The Tapping Process Explained
Sally Dewing
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Submission
Tapping season spans from mid-February to April, as described by the The Northwest Pennsylvania Maple Association. Producers drill small holes into trees and insert spouts to collect sap. The sap is then boiled, preserving its antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Pennsylvania’s Maple Legacy
Established in 1964, the Endless Mountains Maple Producers’ Association spans several counties, including Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming, and western Susquehanna. Pennsylvania ranks sixth nationally in maple syrup production, with nearly 300 farms and 790,000 tapped trees. Last year, the state produced 196,000 gallons of syrup, valued at over $6.9 million, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The state’s Farm Show remains a celebrated venue for maple syrup producers, and recent years have seen record sales through the Maple Syrup Producers Council.
Create Your Own Maple Delicacies
After the tour, visitors can explore recipes available on the Endless Mountains Maple Syrup Producers website. Featured recipes include options such as spinach salad with maple dressing, maple syrup roasted brussels sprouts, and maple milk.
