Backwoods Sugar Shack with Cody Rockafellow episode 80
The Backwoods Sugar Shack was started in 2016 by Cody Rockafellow from Six Lakes Michigan. However, Cody and his family have been making syrup since 2008 tapping about 330 trees. After Cody graduated from high school, he decided that this was his passion, and has grown the business to what it is today. Follow them at https://www.facebook.com/
Backwoods Sugar Shack Taps
the Backwoods Sugar Shack has over 4000 trees with the potential to tap another 4000+. The most common question is “How much sap does it take to make a gallon of syrup”. The answer depends on the sugar content of the sap. It takes about 45-48 gallons of sap for 1 gallon of syrup. It is definitely a labor intensive process but making something that everyone enjoys is worth all the hard work. https://www.
Watch this episode:
Michigan Made Maple Syrup
At the Backwoods Sugar Shack nestled in Six Lakes, Michigan, the process of making Michigan-made maple syrup is a time-honored tradition, deeply rooted in the region’s rich natural resources and community spirit. It all begins in late winter when the maple trees awaken from their winter slumber, signaling the start of the sugaring season. Cody, a skilled sugarmaker, ventures into the woods armed with traditional tools and modern equipment, ready to tap the majestic maple trees. With careful precision, he and his crew drill small holes into the tree trunks and insert spouts to collect the precious sap that flows slowly but steadily. The sap is then transported through a network of tubing or collected in buckets, depending on the land owner’s request.
Back at the sugar shack, the sap undergoes a meticulous process of evaporation to transform it into the golden nectar known as maple syrup. In large evaporator pans, the sap is heated over a wood-fired modern evaporator, gradually reducing its volume and concentrating its sugars. Cody monitors the process attentively, ensuring that the syrup reaches the perfect consistency and flavor profile.
Once the syrup reaches the desired density, it is carefully filtered to remove any impurities, resulting in the pure, amber liquid that is emblematic of Michigan maple syrup. Finally, the syrup is bottled and labeled by hand, ready to be shared with the local community and beyond. Each bottle of Backwoods Sugar Shack maple syrup is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of Cody and his team, as well as the unique terroir of Six Lakes, Michigan. It’s a labor of love that captures the essence of the Michigan maple syrup tradition, one sweet drop at a time.
About Discover Montcalm Podcast
Backwoods Sugar Shack with Cody Rockafellow episode 80
Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast
Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS
