When nights freeze and days thaw — maples push sap. February-March. The year's earliest 'harvest.'
Process
Drill a hole in the trunk (10 mm, 5 cm deep). Insert spile. Hang bucket. Sap drips — 1-2 liters per day per tree. 40 liters sap = 1 liter syrup.
Evaporating
Huge pan (evaporator) over wood fire. Sap boils for hours. Smoke, steam, caramel smell. Children sit by the fire and taste — spoonful into snow (instant candy).
One liter of Amish maple syrup — $15-20 at market. 50 trees × 1 liter = $750-1,000 income. Year's first money.