The maple sugar season got off to an early start for some producers in New Brunswick this year but recent cold weather has slowed things down.
The season is generally a bit later for Mountain Maples Sugar Camp in Elgin given its higher elevation.
Co-owner Les Stiles says specific temperatures are needed to have a good sap run.
“Minus 5 (degrees) to plus 6 or 8 (degrees)… in that area. A freeze at night and a thaw in the daytime,” he notes.
The season generally lasts about 6 to 8 weeks and comes to an abrupt end when buds start forming on the maple trees.
Stiles says the sap becomes bitter tasting at that stage and can no longer be used in production.
Mountain Maples produces maple syrup and other maple products for local stores in the region.
Stiles adds 2017 was a good year for production but it can vary a lot from one year to the next.
