Sugar bush operator discusses early start to season

Sugar bush operator discusses early start to season

While the recent run of warm weather might be welcomed by many in the Pontiac, it is causing some challenges for maple syrup producers in the area.

Hélène Alary, owner of Sucrerie Alary in Luskville, told CHIP 101.9 that while this year’s temperatures were unusual, this isn’t the earliest they’ve had to start boiling sap in the 47 years she and her husband have operated the sugar bush. With around 2,500 trees tapped, she said they typically produce around 300 gallons of maple syrup in a season.

She explained that the fluctuation in day and night time temperatures is important for the flow of sap.

She said that in addition to potentially disrupting the volume of syrup produced, the warm temperatures can impact other qualities of the final product as well.

More information can be found on Sucrerie Alary’s website.

The full interview with Alary (8m) is available here.