MAPLE SIRUP PRODUCERS MANUAL 



121 



can be picked up at the farm; or (3) it can be 

 delivered to the plant (figs. 129 and 130). 



The quality of sap is not easy to judge by 

 visual inspection. But the buyer must guard 

 against purchasing spoiled or unsound sap, 

 since a small amount could contaminate a large 

 amount of sound sap when added to it. The 

 plant operator must therefore exercise some 

 control over the production of sap by the sap 

 suppliers. He therefore should set certain mini- 

 mum standards. 



I'rotliirtioii Stdmlards for Sa/t I'.ollevted in 

 Buckets 



(1) All buckets must be covered. 



(2) Buckets must be clean and sanitized be- 

 fore use. 



(3) In midseason or after a warm period, 

 buckets must be washed again. 



(4) Collecting buckets and tanks must be kept 

 clean and sanitized. 



(5) Sap (even a very small amount) that has 

 remained in buckets between runs must be 

 discarded. 



Production Standards for Sfip Collected in 

 Plastic Tubinfi 



(1) Only clean tubing must be installed. 



(2) All collecting or venting equipment must 

 be washed and sanitized. 



Standards for Slorti^e Tanks on Sti/t harms 



(1) All tanks must be washed and sanitized 

 before the start of the sap season. 



(2) Tanks must be completely emptied, 

 washed, and sanitized at least twice each sea- 

 son and preferably between each run of sap. 



PN-ia2.s 

 Figure 129. — Sap i.'i delivered to a central evaporator 

 plant in a variety of vehicles. These vehicles are waiting; 

 to unload. 



PN-4826 



Figure 130. — Sap is delivered in all types of containers 

 (including- milk cans) and by eveiy available type of 

 conveyance ranging from the trunks of passenger cars 

 to trailers drawn by farm tractors. 



Pi-oduction of a darker grade of sirup indicates 

 that the tank needs washing and sanitizing. 



(3) Tanks should be covered with clear, trans- 

 parent plastic that transmits the sanitizing 

 ultraviolet radiation of sunlight. 



(4) Tanks must be constructed with smooth, 

 easily cleaned surfaces. 



Metal tanks best meet the requirements. 



l*iirohafi«' of Sap 



Sap is bought on the basis of the total weight 

 of solids (sugar) it contains. It is necessary to 

 measure with precision the volume of the sap to 

 the nearest gallon, its density to the nearest 

 0.1° Brix, and its temperature to the nearest ° F. 



The volume of sap can be determined in 

 several ways, as follows: 



(1) By means of a meter through which the 

 sap can be pumped or can flow by gravity. This 

 is the most precise and direct method, provided 

 the meter is calibrated carefully and is checked 

 frequently. Be sure the meter is designed for 

 operation at low pressures. 



