Chip McGee of Bedford, NH, is a former high school teacher and academic dean who contributed to the development of the Beacon School in New York City, and Bedford High School in Bedford, NH. In his spare time, Chip McGee practices several hobbies and activities, including tapping and bottling maple syrup.
To make maple syrup, you will need to follow three steps:
1. Collect maple sap
First, find a maple tree of more than 12” diameter, drill a hole, and insert the spile in it. Use a food-grade container to collect the dripping maple sap.
2. Boil the maple sap
The sap should ideally be boiled outdoors as it will generate excessive steam, but smaller batches can be boiled indoors. The boiling process lasts until the syrup is formed. The sap is ready when it runs slowly off of a spoon in the consistency of syrup.
3. Store the maple syrup
After boiling, the maple syrup should be filtered at least three times. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months. If needed, it can be put in the freezer to last even longer.
