There’s a rule to maple sugaring: the sap flows when daytime temperatures rise above freezing and nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. When nighttime temps stay above 32°, sugaring season is over. This time of year in the Pioneer Valley, a section of Massachusetts along the Connecticut River centered on Springfield, they are usually reaching the end of sugaring season, but consistent cold weather has meant that the local sugar bushes have only just now started to deliver their sap.

The evaporator operating full steam ahead at the North Hadley Sugar Shack

The evaporator operating full steam ahead at the North Hadley Sugar Shack

Maple producers are now hoping spring doesn’t arrive suddenly so they’ll have a reasonable maple harvest. Read more in this Daily Hampshire Gazette story.