maple syrup question (Nashua, Londonderry, Bedford: houses, organic, restaurant)

[csw]

I love maple syrup grade B. The only place where I can find a grade B syrup seems to be the Trader Joe's near Nashua - but the bottle goes for almost $ 14, compared to $8 in California. How can that be? So far, I've only been to Stop&Shop and Hannafords.

I'd love to visit a sugar house too with the kids, if possible, not more than an hour drive from Bedford. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Rexicana]

For the visit, just wait . . . Sugaring season begins sometime around March, but is extremely flexible due to the weather. It needs to be warm enough for the sap to run.

There are tons of sugar houses around and last year they had a big statewide open house, with maps and events. I think it was in the beginning of April.

Ben's Sugar Shack on 101 in Temple (maybe Wilton?) is a bigger place and should be open a lot.

It takes a lot of energy and time to make maple syrup. It can be a full 1-2 days of boiling (using gas - wood much longer). Small, local producers cannot compete at all with massive operations. The local cost reflects that. But the taste is excellent and the experience of making your own, or seeing it made, can't be beat.

[jthibodeau]

Originally Posted by csw

I love maple syrup grade B. The only place where I can find a grade B syrup seems to be the Trader Joe's near Nashua - but the bottle goes for almost $ 14, compared to $8 in California. How can that be? So far, I've only been to Stop&Shop and Hannafords.

I'd love to visit a sugar house too with the kids, if possible, not more than an hour drive from Bedford. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Today, syrup prices are pretty much dependent on Canadian maple syrup production. The Canadian syrup production took a big hit last year and, supplies are pretty much "out of stock". Bulk prices have risen from $2.00/lb. or below to over $4.00/lb. this past year. Even commercial grade syrup is selling for these numbers. Commercial grade is pretty much the bottom of the barrel and is sold for sweeteners and artificial syrups such as good old "Aunt Jemima".

Another factor is world wide demand is up for maple syrup and, it's by-products, are at an all time high. And, even though most maple syrup isn't marked as such, most could be considered "organic".

Grade "B" syrup is usually not hard to fine. This grade of syrup is usually produced after the first few runs have passed and the syrup gradually becomes darker with more maple flavor, as compared to a more "nutty" flavor with light syrups.

There are a lot of "back yarders" that produce syrup. However, the larger Maple Syrup producers within your area will have an open house during boiling season. You could check out:

The Maple Guys in Lyndeborough, NH
Intervale Pancake House in Henniker, NH
Sunnyside Maple in Loudon, NH

There are a bunch more and, if you keep your eye open, the local newspapers will list those "Sugar Shacks" that will hold open houses during this sweet time of year.

And, as Rex mentioned, prime conditions for maple sap to flow requires cold night and warm days. A perfects range of temperature for sap production is 25 degrees at night with 40 to 45 degrees (with full sunshine) during the day. These fluctuations cause the sap to "Run". It isn't unusual to "catch a run" with temps rising and another with temps falling.

And, yes, I make a little myself.

Hope this helps.....

[vter]

Try the Christmas Tree Shoppes. The one up here in VT often carries Grade B from Maple Grove Farms. Usually around $8. Or as the others said, wait until the season kicks in full swing. You should be able to find them some from farmers then.

[WannaComeHome]

You might also try going to Parker's Maple Barn in Mason. I think during sugaring season they still tour their facility - and it's a huge barn/restaurant where you can have breakfast or lunch. It's on Rt 13 I believe. Extremely popular.

[GregW]

Try Henry Peterson's sugar shack on Peabody Lane in Londonderry for Grade B syrup. Henry also sells through Mack's Apples on Mammoth Rd (St Rt 128).

[csw]

Thanks for the great feedback, we are having a maply syrup sampling pancake breakfast tomorrow morning!

[AngelaK]

New Hampshire Maple Producers' Association - Welcoming Page

[NH2008]

I just bought a 32 oz bottle of grade B at the Christmas Tree Shop for $18

[GregW]

Yikes! That much maple syrup would put me into a sugar coma for certain. Good price. Where was it made?