HARWINTON, Conn. — Spencer Luthy is surrounded by clouds of steam this time of year. Luthy, the owner of Maplewood Farm in Harwinton, has been making maple syrup for the past 15 years and he’s the new president of the Connecticut Maple Producers Association.
“There are around 150 sugar makers in the state of Connecticut that are part of our association – anyone from one tap to 5,000 taps,” Luthy.
The syrup season has started a bit early this year due to warmer temperatures in January and February, Luthy said.
“Typically, we tap around Valentine's Day every year but we actually tapped two weeks earlier than Valentine's Day,” said Luthy, who then added, “So far the season has been great.”
What is aptly called a “sweet science,” Luthy said that making good maple syrup -- and plentiful quantities of it -- always comes down to weather conditions.
“Mother Nature, she’s in charge. We really need those 20-degree nights and 40-degree days to flow the sap for us,” he said.
After boiling down his latest syrup run from his rustic sugar shack in Harwinton, Luthy added, “It really is the sweetest time of the year, no pun intended, and it’s a great thing for our farm.”
The maple syrup season in Connecticut usually lasts into late March and sugar houses, like Maplewood Farm, are open to the public at various times. Connecticut Maple Weekend is March 16 and 17 this year. To learn more, click here.
To learn more about Maplewood Farm and plan a visit, click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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