GC47AKZ #4 Maple Syrup Facts (Traditional Cache) in Ontario, Canada created by Paprika819 (adopted by kini

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GC47AKZ ▼

A cache by Paprika819 (adopted by kini_ont) Message this owner

Hidden : 3/8/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache has been placed by a Central Ontario Geocacher!

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Small container with log sheet and pencil plus can hold small items.

The earliest settlers called it "Indian molasses" or "Indian sugar", the Algonquins called it "Sinzibuckwud" (drawn from wood) and the Objibways called it "Ninautik" (our own tree). They preferred to use the rock maple or Sheesheegummawis (sap flows fast) for sap collection. Basswood trees were excavated in order to make troughs to collect the sap. This was heated by throwing hot rocks into the sap to cause it to boil, thereby reducing it to sugar. This method offers evidence that sugar making was an established custom before the first settlers appeared in Canada. Getting rid of the water in the sap is still the main purpose today, and although the technique is different, the basic idea remains the same. Boring holes in the trees with augers, and by using spiles and tin buckets instead of wooden buckets were the first improvements the Canadian pioneers introduced. Boiling the sap in iron kettles speeded up the process. Later, flat bottomed pans were used to "finish" the syrup. By the early 1900s, the flue type evaporator came into use, which is still used today. The deep flues in the bottom of the pan allow flames to make a larger area of contact, which makes the sap boil sooner.