Why Choose Our Maple Syrup
Welcome to Brixstone Farms, where we take pride in crafting pure maple syrup using traditional techniques and the unique characteristics of our Northwest Michigan environment. Our maple syrup stands out for its exceptional flavor, a result of our careful harvesting and production processes.
Why Brixstone Farms is Ideal for Maple Syrup Production
Brixstone Farms is situated 45 miles southwest of Traverse City, near the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan. This location offers the perfect climate for maple syrup production, with the proximity to the lake providing a moderate temperature range ideal for sap flow. The rolling hills and extensive maple forests across our farm contribute to the rich, sweet flavor of our maple syrup every spring.
Our Maple Syrup Production Process
The production of maple syrup at Brixstone Farms begins each spring, during what is known as “sugar weather.” This period features cold nights and mild days, which are perfect conditions for the sap to flow. We utilize 2,000 carefully selected maple trees for sap collection. Each tree must be at least 10 inches in diameter and in good health, typically taking around forty years to reach optimal sap production age.
Our modern sap collection system uses food-grade tubing to transport the sap directly from the trees to our sugar house. This method ensures cleanliness and minimizes contamination risks. We are also committed to sustainability, constantly replanting maple trees to ensure a healthy supply for future generations. A well-maintained tree can continue to produce sap for over a hundred years.
Crafting Maple Syrup in Small Batches
After collecting the sap, the transformation into maple syrup begins. Sap is a clear, slightly sweet liquid that requires an evaporation process to become the rich syrup you enjoy. At Brixstone Farms, we take this step further by crafting our syrup in small batches over a wood fire. This traditional method not only enhances the syrup’s flavor but also contributes to its distinctive taste.
The boiling process involves reducing the sap until it reaches the right consistency and flavor profile. This approach allows us to create maple syrup with unique characteristics that are a perfect complement to a variety of dishes.
Health Benefits and Uses of Maple Syrup
Our maple syrup is not just delicious; it also offers several health benefits. It contains essential minerals such as zinc and manganese, which support immune function and metabolic health. Additionally, it provides antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Here are some ways to incorporate our syrup into your daily life:
- Breakfast: Top your pancakes, waffles, or French toast with our pure maple syrup for a classic, satisfying breakfast. Try this recipe for homemade granola.
- Baking: Replace refined sugars with our syrup in recipes for cakes, muffins, and cookies to add a natural sweetness and depth.
- Savory Dishes: Use our syrup to create unique glazes or sauces for meats and vegetables, enhancing your savory meals.
- Beverages: Add a splash of our maple syrup to your coffee or smoothies for a natural touch of sweetness.
Visit Us or Order Online
We invite you to visit Brixstone Farms to experience our maple syrup production firsthand. Our farm tours provide a glimpse into our syrup-making process and a chance to taste our products directly. Alternatively, you can order our syrup online for convenient delivery to your home.
Explore our range of maple syrup and find out why Brixstone Farms is renowned for its exceptional syrup and dedication to quality.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our maple syrup or need more information, please reach out to us. The team at Brixstone Farms is here to assist you and provide any details you require.