MORRISVILLE, Vt.—Ewww, bent syrup. 

Producers are being advised to keep an eye on quality as a new maple season gets underway.

One of the things to watch out for are changes in the sap at the end of the season, or whenever warm temperatures strikes, which can cause nasty effects.

UVM Extension Maple Specialist Mark Isselhardt says the ropey syrup phenomena, sometimes so thick that you can bend it with your finger, is caused by a bacteria that produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). 

“This bacteria are found in the environment and can build up as a result of improperly stored sap, like holding sap too long under warm conditions,” Isselhardt said. 

Controlling the cleanliness and temperature of sap contact surfaces is critical, he says. 

If producers experience this phenomenon but the weather forecasts suggest a period of decent sugaring weather ahead, they can try to clean all tanks, hoses, float boxes, evaporator pans, etc. with lots of clean hot water. 

"There is no assurance this will work but it’s possible,” he said.