Producing maple sugar requires a lots of preparation, equipment,  labor, and firewood.   Right now in Ohio is when all these components are brought to bear on the maple sap.   There are a number of tests (I will described some here in a comment soon) for determining the proper concentration of the sap as it flows through the pan still.  But the color of the syrup is determined the old fashioned way – with the eye.     Following are a few maple sugaring scenes from Geauga County.   Thanks to my hosts and the crew for their hospitality!