In Northern New England maple sugaring is the first sign that spring is indeed on it's way. Being one of the very few places where the sap from a maple tree can be tapped and then turned into maple syrup is part of what makes New England and maple syrup so special.
Maple sap cannot be harvested anywhere there is a maple tree. Certain weather conditions are required in order for the sap to flow properly for harvesting. One of the largest and best places for maple syrup production is early spring in northern New England.
Vermont is the largest maple syrup producer in the United States, having produced up to 570,000 gallons of maple syrup in a given season. New Hampshire and Maine are both among the top five maple producing states.
The maple syrup season is such a big deal in northern New England that there are events all over Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. All three of these states have Maple Open House weekends. This gives the public an opportunity to see the maple syrup making process in action. Towards the end of the season are also maple festivals and other events celebrating this wondrous sweet.
