MAPLE SIRUP PRODUCERS MANUAL 



95 



a pound, based on sirup selling at $8 per gallon. 

 This same weight of sugar, if converted to 

 sugar products, can be sold at prices ranging 

 from $1.50 to $2.50 per pound or a gross of $12 

 to $20 per gallon of sirup. This increase in gross 

 returns is usually more than commensurate 

 with the additional labor involved in converting 

 sirup to sugar products. 



Equipment 



Making the different maple sugar products is 

 not difficult, nor does it require expensive or 

 unusual equipment. It does require the same 

 type of care and sanitation that is expected of 

 any candy company. Maple confections should 

 be made in a special room, either in the home 

 (fig. 104) or in a part of the evaporator house 

 (fig. 105). In some States the law specifies that 



confections for sale cannot be made in the home 

 kitchen. 



High-pressure steam is the ideal source of 

 heat for evaporating sirup in making confec- 

 tions. High-pressure steam heat can be easily 

 and instantaneously controlled; and, unlike 

 other types of heat, there is no danger of 

 scorching the sugars. When steam is not availa- 

 ble, gas is preferred. Gas heat is also easily 

 controlled (fig. 106). Bottled gas is available 

 almost everywhere. 



The size of the equipment (kettles, mixers, 

 and pans) depends on the amount of sirup to be 

 pi-ocessed. A thermometer with a range of 200° 

 to .300° F. in 1° units is a necessity; it can be 

 either a dial thermometer or a candy thermom- 

 eter. Other equipment includes measuring cups, 

 wooden ladles, wooden paddles, and a house- 



Figure lOi.—A porch converted to a candy kitchen and salesroom. 



