The NH maple sugaring season usually starts in mid-February and ends in mid-April. How well and long the season is depends greatly on the weather. New Hampshire Maple Producers usually produce about 90,000 gallons of maple syrup in a given season. It takes forty gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup which is a lot of sap.

Maple syrup grades vary depending on the tree and the time of season you are tapping. The tap made early in the season generally produces a Grade A Fancy Syrup – the lightest shade and most delicate flavored Maple Syrup. Sap gathered later in the season tends to produce a heartier Grade B Maple Syrup. Ask us about NH Maple Products or share your comments. To feature your local NH products or business, contact us.

New Hampshire Maple Producers

New Hampshire Maple: A Sweet Tradition

New Hampshire’s vibrant history and stunning landscapes serve as the perfect backdrop for one of its most cherished traditions: maple sugaring. Known for producing some of the finest maple syrup in the world, the Granite State’s maple industry blends generations of craftsmanship, innovative farming techniques, and a deep connection to the natural environment.

Polly's Pancake Parlor, 672 Route 17, Sugar Hill, NH 03585 | 603-823-5575
Polly's Pancake Parlor has been serving yummy home cooked meals for over 75 years. Enjoy a stack of Oatmeal Buttermilk, Buckwheat or Whole Wheat pancakes. Sit back and savor a waffle of your choice smothered in real New Hampshire maple syrup or come for lunch and have a slice of quiche made with local Harman's cheese. Shop for gifts, pancake mixes and NH Maple Syrup. Reservations taken on weekends.
Visit Polly's Pancake Parlor - Sugar Hill, NH

---

The Legacy of Maple Sugaring in New Hampshire

Maple sugaring has been a part of New Hampshire’s heritage for centuries. Indigenous peoples, including the Abenaki, were the first to tap sugar maples and produce syrup, relying on its natural sweetness to enrich their diets. Early European settlers adopted these techniques, refining the process over time.

Today, maple sugaring remains a vital part of New Hampshire’s agricultural and cultural identity. Families and businesses alike take pride in their sugaring operations, passing knowledge down through generations. Each spring, visitors flock to sugarhouses across the state to witness the magic of sap being boiled into liquid gold.

The State of NH Maple Association

The State of New Hampshire Maple Producers Association (NHMPA) plays a critical role in supporting and promoting the state’s maple industry. The association connects producers, educates the public about maple sugaring, and advocates for sustainable practices. NHMPA organizes events like Maple Weekend and provides resources for both seasoned sugarmakers and newcomers. By fostering a sense of community and sharing knowledge, the NHMPA ensures the legacy of New Hampshire’s maple tradition continues to thrive.

Famous Maple Farms in New Hampshire

Polly’s Pancake Parlor

Located in the picturesque town of Sugar Hill, Polly’s Pancake Parlor is synonymous with New Hampshire maple. Originally part of the Hildex Farm, Polly’s has been serving up delicious pancakes and maple syrup since 1938. Their syrup is produced on-site, allowing visitors to taste the freshness and authenticity in every bite. Polly’s also offers a variety of maple products, including candies and granulated sugar.

Parker’s Maple Barn

A staple in Mason, New Hampshire, Parker’s Maple Barn combines rustic charm with exceptional maple products. Visitors can enjoy hearty breakfasts smothered in pure maple syrup while exploring their sugarhouse and gift shop. Parker’s commitment to quality and tradition makes it a must-visit destination.

The Rocks Estate

Nestled in Bethlehem, The Rocks Estate is a historic property known for its maple tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the estate’s sugarbush, learn about the sugaring process, and purchase locally made maple syrup. The Rocks also hosts events celebrating the state’s rich maple heritage.

Maple Sugaring Process

The process of making maple syrup is both simple and complex, requiring patience, precision, and a touch of artistry. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1. Tapping the Trees: Sugarmakers drill small holes into sugar maples, insert spouts, and attach buckets or tubing to collect sap.
2. Collecting the Sap: During the sugaring season, which typically runs from late February to early April, sap flows when daytime temperatures rise above freezing, and nighttime temperatures drop below freezing.
3. Boiling the Sap: Sap is transported to the sugarhouse, where it is boiled in evaporators to remove water and concentrate the sugars. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup.
4. Filtering and Grading: The syrup is filtered to remove impurities and graded based on its color and flavor profile.

Understanding Maple Syrup Grades

Maple syrup is categorized into different grades, reflecting its color, flavor, and use. In 2015, the grading system was standardized to provide consistency across producers. The grades include:

• Golden Color with Delicate Taste: Light and mild, ideal for drizzling over pancakes or waffles.
• Amber Color with Rich Taste: A popular choice for general use, offering a robust maple flavor.
• Dark Color with Robust Taste: Stronger in flavor, perfect for cooking and baking.
• Very Dark Color with Strong Taste: Intense and bold, often used in marinades and glazes.

Tips for Enjoying and Storing Maple Syrup

1. Storage: Maple syrup should be refrigerated after opening to preserve its quality. Unopened containers can be stored in a cool, dark place.
2. Cooking: Substitute maple syrup for sugar in recipes by using a ratio of 3/4 cup syrup to 1 cup sugar. Reduce other liquids in the recipe to account for the syrup’s moisture content.
3. Pairing: Maple syrup pairs wonderfully with foods beyond breakfast. Try it on roasted vegetables, in salad dressings, or as a glaze for meats.

Famous Uses for Maple Syrup

Maple syrup’s versatility extends well beyond pancakes and waffles. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:

• Maple-Glazed Salmon: Brush syrup over salmon fillets before baking for a sweet, savory finish.
• Maple-Candied Pecans: Toss pecans with syrup and bake until caramelized for a tasty snack.
• Maple Latte: Stir syrup into steamed milk and espresso for a cozy beverage.
• Maple Vinaigrette: Mix syrup with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a unique salad dressing.

Recipes Featuring New Hampshire Maple Syrup

Maple Butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whip butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add maple syrup, mixing until fully combined.
3. Serve with bread or muffins.

Maple Baked Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried beans
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak beans overnight, then drain and rinse.
2. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.

Maple Festivals and Events

New Hampshire celebrates its maple heritage with annual events such as:

• Maple Weekend: Held every March, sugarhouses across the state open their doors to the public for tours, tastings, and family-friendly activities.
• New Hampshire Maple Festival: This event showcases the best of the state’s maple products, featuring live music, contests, and more.

Supporting Local Maple Producers

By purchasing New Hampshire maple syrup, you’re supporting local farmers and preserving an essential part of the state’s culture. Many farms offer direct sales, and syrup is available at farmers’ markets and specialty stores.

Conclusion

New Hampshire’s maple syrup is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of tradition, community, and sustainability. Whether you’re savoring a stack of pancakes at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, exploring the sugaring process at The Rocks Estate, or experimenting with maple-inspired recipes at home, there’s no denying the magic of New Hampshire maple.

For updates, photographs, and NH maple products, visit NH Living.

 

The production of New Hampshire maple syrup and other maple products is a thriving tradition that signals the arrival of spring. The sweet scent of boiling maple sap escaping area sugar shacks is just one of the many reasons visitors travel from around the world to experience springtime in New Hampshire!

The maple sugaring season usually begins in late February or early March in southern New Hampshire, and a little later in the northern part of the state. In order for the sap to flow, sugarmakers need a consistent period of warm, sunny days and cold nights. In New Hampshire, about 90,000 gallons of maple syrup are made each season.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of New Hampshire maple products home with you. Real New Hampshire maple syrup and maple candy make great gifts for friends, family, and yourself!

NH Maple Syrup Production

Many maple sugarmakers now use plastic pipelines and boil down the sap in modern stainless evaporators, but some still gather and boil the old-fashioned way, with horse-drawn wagons and wood-fired evaporators. Steam rising from sugar shacks is a welcome sign of spring to come.

For more information, visit our History and Production page.

New Hampshire Maple Events

During the fourth weekend every March, over 50 sugar houses across New Hampshire open their doors to visitors. Take the opportunity to tour maple orchards and sugar houses and learn how maple syrup is made. Taste-free samples of maple products and fill up on pancake breakfasts. So stop by one of the many maple sugar houses in New Hampshire to see firsthand how maple syrup is made

Maple Facts | Maple History | Maple Grades

SHOP REAL MAPLE SYRUP

NH Maple Producers by Region

Great North Woods NH Maple Products
Berlin, Colebrook, Errol, Dixville, Lancaster, Pittsburg
White Mountain NH Maple Products
North Conway, Lincoln, Woodstock, Littleton, Franconia, Gorham, Jackson, Sugar Hill, Whitefield, Waterville Valley
Lakes Region NH Maple Products
Laconia, Rochester, Plymouth, Ossipee, Meredith, Ashland, Wolfeboro, Bristol, Winnipesaukee
Dartmouth Lake Sunapee NH Maple Products
Lebanon, Hanover, Claremont, Newport, Tilton, Lyme, Plainfield, Newport
Monadnock NH Maple Products
Keene, Peterborough, Fitzwilliam, Westmoreland, Chesterfield
Merrimack Valley NH Maple Products
Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Salem, Derry, New London, Merrimack, Loudon
Seacoast NH Maple Products
Portsmouth, Dover, Durham, Hampton, Exeter, Rye, Hampton Beach

Maple History | Maple Facts | Maple Grades

SHOP MAPLE SYRUP ON SALE

SHOP FREE WORLD MALL

NH Lodging Guide | Weddings
Products | NH Town Guides

NEW ENGLAND LIVING MAGAZINE

Free World Mall

Country Weddings | New England Recipes
Paradise Coast Living | Boston Red Sox Gifts

Vermont Living | ME Living | MA Living