Maple Syrup and Somerville Mass
Somerville, Massachusetts, celebrates its rich maple syrup tradition through the annual Maple Syrup Boil Down event, typically held in early March at the Somerville Community Growing Center. This year it takes place on Saturday March 1st and Saturday the 8th. The event showcases the process of boiling sap, collected from sugar maple trees on the Tufts University campus, into fresh maple syrup. It's an excellent opportunity for community members to learn about tree anatomy, experience syrup production firsthand, and sample the freshly made syrup.
The Maple Syrup Project, initiated in 2000, is a collaborative effort between the Somerville Community Growing Center and Groundwork Somerville. Over the years, it has provided hands-on environmental education to numerous students and residents, fostering a deeper connection to nature and local food production.
For those interested in purchasing locally produced maple syrup, the Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville is a recommended spot. Additionally, nearby specialty stores like Cardullo's Gourmet Shoppe in Harvard Square and Pemberton Farms Marketplace in North Cambridge offer a selection of maple syrup products.
To stay informed about upcoming Maple Syrup Boil Down events and related activities, it's advisable to check the Somerville Community Growing Center's official website or contact them directly for the most current information.
PANCAKE BREAKFASTS
In March 2025, The Trustees of Reservations are hosting special breakfast events featuring their own maple syrup at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA.
Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 & their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. Discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. And make sure you have time to visit their barnyard animals!
Saturday, March 1, 2025
10:45-11:30; 12-12:45; 1-1:45; 2:15-3:00
Location
Appleton Farms
219 County Road
Hamilton & Ipswich, MA 01938
Appleton Farms Ipswich, MA
About Adult Maple Strolls at Appleton Farms
Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home!
Experience a leisurely stroll along our country farm roads and past several historic landscapes to our Appleton maple grove. You’ll learn some of the history of maple sugaring as well as the science behind what makes maple sap run in our trees. The stroll concludes with a visit to our sugar shack where you will see and taste firsthand how we turn the collected sap into our delicious Appleton maple syrup!
Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and boots or shoes that are good for hiking in potentially wet and muddy spots or over uneven hilly terrain. All Maple Strolls are weather permitting and will last approximately 1 hour, walking much of that time. We welcome all ages; however, information is geared towards those 10 and up. Have smaller kids? Check out our family geared maple programming, Maple in the Barnyard!
Tip: Bring Bird Seed and the birds will eat out of your hands!
When
Saturday, March 1, 2025
11am, 12:15pm, 1:30pm
Location
Appleton Farms
219 County Road
Hamilton & Ipswich, MA 01938
Sugar Houses:
North Hadley Sugar Shack- 174 River St, Hadley, MA 01035
Offers pancake breakfasts and maple syrup production tours during the sugaring season. Sugaring Season is on...
Massachusetts Maple Weekend: March 8th-9th - Boiling Demos and Tasting
Serving Breakfast: Friday, Saturday & Sundays only, 7am - 2pm
High Hopes Farm- 1132 Huntington Rd, Town of Worthington, MA 01098
Known for its pancake breakfasts and maple syrup tours in the sugaring season.
Sugaring season starts in late February and ends in early April. It takes cold nights (temperatures in the high 20’s) and warm days (high 30’s or low 40’s) to create the best conditions for the sap to flow. During that time you can see the syrup being produced in their evaporator.
Enjoy their pancake breakfasts: Rustic Dining at its Best.
Serving Saturdays & Sundays, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Spring & Fall. The kitchen closes at 1:30 pm.
Hollis Hills Farms- 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420
The largest maple producer in eastern Massachusetts, offering maple syrup, products, and tours.
Located right next to their retail store at 340 Marshall Rd. Fitchburg, MA! They process sap from roughly 5,000 taps and process around 70,000 gallons of maple sap each spring!
During Maple Season, their retail store is open offering fresh maple treats, hot coffee, and a variety of local items.
They have every size and style you could need for that perfect gift or for your fridge! Their maple products are always available at a variety of locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
If you're looking to gather supplies for DIY maple syrup production in the Boston area, here are some local hardware stores and specialized suppliers that can assist you:
Local Hardware Stores:
While not all hardware stores carry maple sugaring equipment, some may stock basic supplies or can order them for you. Here are a few in the Boston area:
Charles Street Supply
A well-reviewed hardware store in Boston that may carry basic supplies or can assist in ordering specialized equipment.
Aubuchon Hardware
A hardware store located at 505 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776. They may have access to maple sugaring supplies or can order them for you.
Specialized Maple Sugaring Equipment Suppliers:
For a more comprehensive selection of maple sugaring supplies, consider reaching out to specialized suppliers:
Dufresne's Sugar House: Located in Williamsburg, MA, they offer a variety of maple products and are a CDL sugaring equipment dealer.
The Maple Guys: Based in New Hampshire, they provide a wide range of sugaring equipment and supplies suitable for both beginners and seasoned producers.
Essential Maple Sugaring Supplies:
When preparing to make your own maple syrup, consider gathering the following essential supplies:
Sap Buckets: Plastic or metal containers to collect sap.
Tree Taps (Spiles): Inserted into the tree to allow sap to flow out.
Boiler/Evaporator: Used to boil down the sap into syrup. This can range from homemade setups to commercial evaporators.
Syrup Filters: Cheesecloth or disposable paper filters to remove impurities.
Candy Thermometer or Hydrometer: To measure the density of the syrup.
Canning Jars with Lids: For storing the finished syrup.
For a detailed guide on making maple syrup and a comprehensive list of supplies, you can refer to this resource:
Before purchasing, it's advisable to contact the stores to confirm the availability of the specific supplies you need. Additionally, the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association provides a list of equipment dealers that might be helpful.
Happy sugaring!