Back where I come from we have something called pecan harvesting. Despite how you say it, “pi-kahn” or “pee-kan,” it always results itself into a pecan pie and good laughs at the end of the day. Now when I moved up here I determined that my pecan picking days were over until I moved back South; and for the record I pronounce it “pee-kan”. But what would be my New York substitute?
This morning, as I made waffles for my son, I realized the perfect replacement: Maple Syrup. I should have thought of going to a maple sugar farm sooner since a friend back home asked me to pick up some good maple syrup for his homebrew. As a child, and even as an adult prior to moving to the Capital region, it was a special treat to have someone bring you maple sugar candy.
As soon as my son went down for a nap, I quickly did some research on the subject and found the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association. According to their website, New York is the third largest maple producing state. Digging a little further, in six different counties, including Saratoga County, different farms are having Maple Open Houses during this weekend and/or next weekend. The Maple Valley Farm, located in Corinth, is roughly 35 minutes away from Saratoga Springs. They will be having their open house March 26th and 27th. As stated by the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association website, Maple Valley Farm will have demonstrations, samplings, hayrides to the sugar house, and other activities.
So if y’all want to get outside this or next weekend and need to get a sugary fix, both of which I am in desperate need of, I would highly suggest taking a trip out to the Maple Farms for a special treat. If you can’t make it either weekend, I would go as soon as you get a chance. The maple season ends with spring’s warm nights and when the trees start the first stages of budding. And to think, the answer as to what would be my northern substitute for pecan pie was a sticky mess on my son’s face.
Here’s the farm in case you’re interested!
Maple Valley Farm
84 Harris Road, Corinth
Phone: 518-654-9752