The Story Behind the Syrup
evaporator is equipped with pipes and flues that heat the entry chamber , producing large amounts of steam that boils the sap . After the sap is pre-heated , it flows down into another section of the evaporator , where a series of strategically-placed “ float valves ” control the flow of the sap . Krieg elaborates : “ The float valves allow me to set the level of sap that flows through different areas of the evaporator to make sure that it boils down at the correct rate . There are several valves throughout the evaporator that go up and down as the sap makes its way through .”
As the sap proceeds through the machine , it becomes increasingly concentrated as it boils down and transforms into maple syrup . In order to properly measure the density of the syrup , Krieg uses a small specialized glass contraption known as a hydrometer . “ Vermont ’ s maple syrup must have a sugar content of 66.9 %, which is 0.9 % higher than syrup made in other states and in Canada ,” says Krieg . “ The hydrometer measures the sugar content . When the hydrometer floats down to the correct level in the syrup , I know that it ’ s ready to move on to the next stage .”
Once the syrup reaches the correct density , it passes over a collection pan into a “ draw-off-tank ,” which is pumped into a nearby filter press . The filter press contains several pressurized chambers , which are lined with filter paper . Krieg then adds a natural compound known as diatomaceous earth to the syrup , which aids in the filtration process . “ The first time I saw someone put diatomaceous earth powder in their syrup , I thought that they were ruining it ! I later learned that it acted as a granular filtering agent . The diatomaceous earth is too large to make it through the filter paper , so it catches any remaining impurities in the syrup .”
A Blossoming Business
Liz Krieg creates beautiful floral arrangements , teaches informative workshops , and hosts festive gatherings at Maple Flower Farm
Up the hill from Cory Krieg ’ s sugar house , vibrant flower gardens and greenhouses stand in the middle of a verdant field . They serve as the business center of Liz Krieg ’ s flourishing flower farm and floral arrangement operation . Liz ( Cory ’ s wife ) is a degreed horticulturist and has grown fresh-cut flowers in Vermont since 1989 . She is the founding president of the Vermont Cut Flower Council ; has taught as an adjunct professor at the New England Wildflower Society ; and lent her horticultural services to local businesses , private homeowners , floral designers , and flower shops in large cities and small towns .
Liz grows professional grade cut flowers , which include tunnel-grown David Austin Roses , Ranunculus , Anemone , Lisianthus and many other bodacious stems . She works closely with her clients to create gorgeous custom flower arrangements that are perfect for any occasion . Her popular annual “ Cut Flower Garden in a Box ” program is a wonderful option for customers who are seeking to enhance the beauty of their own home cut flower gardens . She also accepts a few lucky brides each year ; her bridal arrangements are magnificent .
For those who wish to expand their horticultural skillset , Liz hosts fun and accessible classes for fledgling florists at her Vermont Flower Workshops . The workshops offer visiting guests the opportunity to stroll unencumbered through her airy and bucolic flower gardens while basking in the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland clearing . Inside of an upscale open-barn event space , guests are treated to a comprehensive master class in the subtle art of flower cutting and floral arranging . Guests are treated to delicious snacks and beverages , and they also get to take their creations home with them !
For those interested in renting out the Maple Flower Farm for a celebratory occasion , the space is also available for small-scale private gatherings and events ; bridal showers ; birthday celebrations ; Plein air painting workshops ; photography workshops ; fun , chic gatherings ; and corporate outings . The farm is not open to the general public without an appointment , so prospective visitors should contact Liz Krieg directly to schedule a visit through the website :
MapleFlowerFarm . com
After several filtration cycles , the syrup is ready to be bottled , packaged and shipped in quart and half-pint sized glass bottles . Krieg says that he uses glass bottles because plastic bottles allow