Our Organic Maple Syrup
Birch Hill Farm is proud to produce outstanding certified-organic maple syrup from sap gathered from the trees on our farm. We sell our syrup directly from the farm, and at local markets in season.
How Can It Be Called "Organic"?
We are often asked just how a sugar bush (the stand of maples that produces the sap we boil down to make our syrup) can be called "organic."
In order to be certified by the Vermont Organic Farmers (which in turn uses the requirements set down by the USDA National Organic Program), no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides can have been used within the three years preceding the "organic" designation.
Vermont has a strictly enforced maple grading law controlling standards of density, flavor and color. The grade of maple syrup must be plainly and correctly marked on each container, along with the name and address of the producer. Vermont’s maple law requires syrup to be free from any preservatives or other additives and is enforced by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. (from the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association website)
Control procedures are detailed enough that the production process may be traced all the way through the entire processing.
What About the Trees?
A maple tree must be about 40 years old before it is considered a candidate for tapping. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup!
This is why it makes sense that an approved forest management plan is also required for organic certification. The trees are tapped with a primary objective of distributing the taps over as large an area as possible in order to maintain a healthy, vigorous sugar bush. Our forest is managed for long-term use.
What We Produce
Our syrup is available in various grades, according to the harvest, in pints or gallons. We can ship syrup, depending upon availability, at most times of the year.
There are four grades of Vermont Maple Syrup for consumers. Which grade is the best is really a personal choice.
Vermont Fancy is light amber in color, and has a delicate, mild flavor. Grade A Medium Amber is medium amber in color, pronounced maple bouquet with a characteristic maple flavor. It is popular for all-around use. Grade A Dark Amber is darker in color. It has a heartier maple flavor, and is also very popular for all-around use. Grade B is the strongest and darkest table-grade maple syrup. Some people prefer this syrup for the table, and its stronger maple flavor makes it the best grade for cooking.
Please use the form below to contact us for availability, prices, and shipping charges, including international rates. You may also wish to view our Contact Info page.