Learn how to filter maple syrup as soon as it’s drawn off the evaporator! Filtering maple syrup is a step most importantly to complete before bottling.
Above all, each time we filter maple syrup, we use clean filters. Similarly; each time filtering is completed, the filters are immediately removed, cleaned with hot water and hung to dry.
Understanding Why We Bother Filtering Maple Syrup
In the process of making syrup, some of the minerals precipitate out as niter on the syrup pans while some remain suspended in the syrup and make it appear cloudy. If we did not filter the syrup, over time these minerals would eventually settle, leaving a layer of sediment on the bottom of the container. We want to ensure that it’s crystal clear. Consequently, we feel filtering maple syrup is a must.
Filtering syrup is best done while the syrup is very hot. So, it’s best when coming right off the evaporator.
Using Gravity Filtering
Small-scale sugar makers use cone filters with a felt liner and let gravity do the trick. We like to add 5 paper filters which are placed inside the felt liner. This further filters the niter out of the syrup. This does a pretty good job, but the process is slow.
Source: The Sugarmaker’s Companion. An Integrated Approach to Producing Syrup from Maple, Birch, and Walnut Trees by Michael Farrell
Watch our video to get a good understanding of the steps involved with using a gravity filtering system to produce clear maple syrup.
Instructions
We inspect each filter for any holes or other damage. Nest one cone pre-filter inside the other with the opening of both cone pre-filters facing upward. We like to use 5 pre-filters.
Place the nested cone pre-filters inside the main Orlon filter. Again, the opening of all filters should be facing upward.
Hang the filters in a cone filter holder over a large stainless steel pot.
Slowly pour HOT maple syrup into the innermost pre-filter bag so that the maple syrup will travel through all the pre-filters and then exiting through the bottom of the main Orlon filter. If hot syrup stops flowing through the filters with ease, simply lift out and set aside the innermost pre-filter to remove all the debris. Then continue filtering as before, using the remaining pre-filters and Orlon filter. Avoid pouring hot syrup directly into the Olron filter without using a pre-filter because if the Orlon clogs up, we will need to stop everything and wash it before filtering can continue.
There are Two Steps Taken when Filtering Maple Syrup
There are two necessary steps to perform to reduce the amount of niter created in maple syrup. As a result, these steps remove cloudiness resulting in clear syrup!
- Firstly, we need to clean the front pans of the evaporator.
- Secondly, we need to be filtering maple syrup before bottling it.
Watch our video to get a good understanding of the steps involved with cleaning the front pan of our 18” x 60” evaporator.
Above all, Maple Syrup takes time and passion for being outdoors. In other words, we take pride in our efforts and our products.
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Dark | 1 Litre Jug$20.00 -
Very Dark | 1 Litre Jug$20.00 -
AMBER |1 Litre Jug$20.00
Looking for Recipes Using Maple Syrup?
Some of our favourite recipes can be found here! Similarly, we would love the opportunity to share your favourite recipes.
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