Project Details
Description
The project investigates the potential of sap from native sycamore maple trees (Acer pseudoplatanus) growing in mountain forests of the Bavarian Alps for the production of maple syrup. The main objectives are to quantify sugar concentrations in maple sap, determine the sap volume produced per tree during a tapping season, assess the influence of elevation on sap quality and quantity, and upscale individual tree performance to theoretical stand-level yields.
Maple syrup represents a non-timber forest product that could be sustainably harvested from protection and mountain forests, potentially providing an additional source of income for forestry. While sugar concentrations of maple sap in Central Europe are known, there is a lack of scientific data on sap volumes that can be tapped per season, preventing reliable assessments of production potential. By combining measurements of sugar content and sap volume with an analysis of elevation-related climatic gradients, the project addresses this research gap and evaluates the feasibility of maple syrup production under alpine conditions.
Maple syrup represents a non-timber forest product that could be sustainably harvested from protection and mountain forests, potentially providing an additional source of income for forestry. While sugar concentrations of maple sap in Central Europe are known, there is a lack of scientific data on sap volumes that can be tapped per season, preventing reliable assessments of production potential. By combining measurements of sugar content and sap volume with an analysis of elevation-related climatic gradients, the project addresses this research gap and evaluates the feasibility of maple syrup production under alpine conditions.
Layman's description
This project explores whether maple syrup can be produced from sycamore maple trees growing in the Bavarian Alps. To do so, sap is collected from trees in mountain forests and analysed to determine how sweet it is and how much sap a tree can produce over the tapping season.
Maple syrup is a popular product that is currently almost exclusively produced in North America. If it could be produced locally, it might offer a new, sustainable source of income for mountain and protection forests without the need to harvest timber. The project also examines how altitude and colder mountain climates affect sap flow and sugar content. The results will show whether maple syrup production could be realistically and sustainably developed in the Alpine region.
Maple syrup is a popular product that is currently almost exclusively produced in North America. If it could be produced locally, it might offer a new, sustainable source of income for mountain and protection forests without the need to harvest timber. The project also examines how altitude and colder mountain climates affect sap flow and sugar content. The results will show whether maple syrup production could be realistically and sustainably developed in the Alpine region.
| Short title | Suitability of Sycamore Maple Sap for Syrup Production |
|---|---|
| Acronym | SYMASAP |
| Status | Finished |
| Effective start/end date | 15/01/24 → 30/04/24 |
Collaborative partners
- Bayerische Staatsforsten (Project partner)
- Technical University of Munich (lead)
Keywords
- NTFP (non-timber forest product)
- maple syrup
- tree sap
- mountain forest
- Acer pseudoplatanus
Fingerprint
Explore the research topics touched on by this project. These labels are generated based on the underlying awards/grants. Together they form a unique fingerprint.