How long in the Pan?

[backyardsugarer]

How long can paritally finished sugar sit in the pan. I finished up what I could last night 3/2 and it does not look like I am going to get a run until at least the weekend. Should I drain the rest off or can I let it go 3 or so days?

Chris

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

I have partially finished syrup in my evaporator that was last cooked on Monday and it may be sometime next week before I fire it again. Normally, as long as all the sap in the evaporator was boiled/pasterized good, it will keep for a week or two as long as it is not sitting in direct sun light.

I stand to be corrected, but this has always seemed to be the case for me and I would like others opinions also.

[lobstafari]

I think if its to the point where you've been drawing off, it should be fine for a month, but if you just have a bit boiled off, it may start getting the "brown fuzzies" on you. Thats been my experience. I just drained my front pan, and finished on the stove, for 1/2 gal med. amber (almost light, but not quite), just because it wasnt quite syrup, and it will be until 2 days before Id boil next, and even thats wishful thinking.
Im starting to wonder what tests my patience with mother nature more:
1) Fishing (commercial)
2) Overwintering Bees in Northern Climate
3) Making A Living Plowing Snow
4) TRYING TO DRAW OFF A GALLON OF SYRUPPPPPP!!!!!! :twisted:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
...........but its all in good fun, right?? :lol: :wink:

[vtsugarmaker]

I've never had an issue with leaving partially boiled sap in the pans during the season. It is the warm weather that will get you. As long as you have boiled the sap for a little while, you should be fine.

[MaineMapleDave]

Happens to me all the time. It should be fine. I have noticed that if the sap has started to turn color in the boiling, it has probably boiled enough to be nice and sterile. The longest I have held it in the evaporator has been for about a week and a half. If it gets cold (I naievely hope it will) it might freeze right up, too, which will help.

Have fun.
Dave