How do you enjoy your real maple syrup? On pancakes and waffles? Mixed with roasted walnuts for an ice cream sundae topping? For cooking hot dogs (yes, that’s a thing)? How about poured on white rice (you have to try this, we’re told).
From the unusual culinary delight to the tried-and-true, Vikings of all ages love maple syrup, one of our state’s important agricultural products. Recently Mr. Alan Gnau, OV’s bus mechanic and proprietor of Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Products, spent time in the ag classroom to talk to students about maple syrup production.
In one class first graders looked at some of the tapping gear, taste-tested small samples of the syrup, and tried a little maple cream. They noticed an array of little jars filled with the amber liquid which changed from lighter to darker as the season progressed. Students also learned that syrup has its own taste depending on which of the 10 different kinds of sugar maples were tapped–Mr. Gnau’s trees are mostly red maples–as well as the soil the trees grow in, and how the syrup is prepared. They also discovered that it takes a whopping 43 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
Older students talked with Mr. Gnau about the science of sugaring, which is heavy on math and engineering as well as outdoor tapping procedures. Our experienced Vikings know barometric pressure, the effects of elevation on a maple sugar operation, temperatures, boil times, and tree healing after tapping, and they appreciate the uniqueness of every maple sugaring rig. Mr. Gnau also addressed business development, entrepreneurship, and how things change as tap goals increase. It’s expensive and challenging, Mr. Gnau said, but it’s also sweetly rewarding.
Maple syrup is featured in the Food & Culture Expo happening today for students, and tonight (Thursday, March 14, 5:30-7:00 pm) for the community.
Mr. Gnau’s Whistlin’ Dixie Maple Products is also hosting a fun Maple Weekend this Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, from 9 am - 5 pm each day. All are invited to visit 670 German Hollow Road in Smyrna to see–and taste–more. (New this year: maple sugar candy.)
“It’s magical!” – Mr. Gnau
[See more photos on our Facebook page.]