Governor Tim Pawlenty has officially proclaimed the month of April as “Maple Syrup Month” in the State of Minnesota .

The annual spring ritual of tapping maple trees and producing pure maple syrup marks nature’s transition from winter to spring in Minnesota ’s hardwood forests. Minnesota is one of 19 states producing pure maple syrup and is the western most in the US .

Maple syrup producers throughout Minnesota have been busy preparing for sap runs that usually occur in March and April. Maple syrup is produced throughout Minnesota with many communities conducting maple syrup festivals in the weeks surrounding the annual sap runs. Typically, sap runs earlier in the southern production areas and later to the north as warm spring weather arrives.

Maple facts:

• It takes nearly 40 gallons of fresh sap to produce one gallon of pure maple syrup.
• Maple syrup is only produced in the US and Canada , nowhere else in the world.
• Sap runs and syrup can be made in the spring when the temperatures are below freezing at night and well above freezing during the day.
• Repeated freeze/thaw cycles are required for successful syrup production. The season ends as the maple trees reach bud stage.
• Pure maple syrup is a natural food with no added colors, preservatives or other additives.
• Maple syruping is an important agricultural product in Minnesota with numerous licensed commercial producers and many “back yard” hobbyist producers.

The Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association is a non-profit membership association dedicated to promoting the interests of Minnesota ’s commercially licensed and hobby producers. For further information visit the MMSPA web site: www.mnmaple.org