Savoring the Sweetness of Michigan’s Maple Sugaring Industry
Well before Michigan was admitted to the Union as the 26th state in 1837, Native Americans were actively tapping maple trees and boiling down the clear liquid sap into a sweet and delicious syrup. Today, maple sugaring remains the oldest activity tied to the state’s #2 industry—agriculture.
The Michigan Maple Syrup Association and more than two dozen of its members are once again inviting the public out to experience this unique craft during the 5th Annual Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend, scheduled from mid-March through early April across the state.
“While our organized weekends have only been going on for five years, many communities around Michigan have been celebrating their maple sugaring heritage for more than 50 years, “says Joe Woods, event coordinator. “Visitors to local farms can meet the farmers and their families that produce maple syrup and to get outside and enjoy Michigan’s early spring weather.”
Due to the state’s diverse weather and geographical elements, events are first held in the Southern Lower Peninsula (south of US10), March 18-19, followed by events in the Northern Lower Peninsula (north of US10), March 25-26 and throughout the Upper Peninsula, April 1-2. Attendees are reminded to wear boots as mud and snow may still be abundant this time of the year.
The family-friendly events provide a chance for people to get a firsthand look at how maple sap is collected, boiled down and turned into sweet maple syrup and other maple treats. Many of the farms offer tours of their operation, including tree tapping demonstrations, samples of their products, recipes for the use of maple syrup and local maple syrup products available to purchase.
Information about the farms participating in the Michigan Maple Weekend can be found on the Michigan Maple Syrup Association web site http://www.Mi-MapleSyrup.com (Michigan Maple Syrup Association Facebook).
Founded in 1962, the Michigan Maple Syrup Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of maple sugaring in Michigan and the promotion of Michigan pure maple products. If you have more than just a passing interest in the science, industry, commerce, or enjoyment of maple products anywhere in the world, please consider becoming a member of our organization.
PHOTO CREDIT: AbsoluteMichigan.com