While the maple syrup season is well over in Southwestern
Ontario, sap is still running in northern regions.
The return of cold weather, including overnight freezing
temperatures, extended the season, but only in areas where buds were not
beginning to form and therefore giving sap a buddy flavour.
Todd Leuty, agroforestry specialist for the Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, reports that colouring and flavour were
good this season, typical for each grade.
The heavy ice storm no doubt caused damage, but the extent
has not yet been assessed by Leuty or the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers
Association.
