The Puffenbarger Sugar Orchard is where maple syrup magic happens. Unfortunately for the Puffenbarger's, there hasn't been much magic these past two years. The process of making maple syrup is completely up to Mother Nature. The more ups and downs in temperature, the more sugar water will be produced. However, if it is hot or cold for too long, like last year, it can spell trouble.
For the past two years, the Puffenbarger's have had some struggles with the weather, but with the roller coaster of temperatures this year, so far, so good.
"The last two years, we haven't made any in February. This year, especially this last week, they've run pretty daggone good," said Ivan Puffenbager, the owner of the sugar orchard.
Puffenbarger says a good year is right about 1,000 gallons of syrup, but it obviously varies.
However, last year, they were only able to make right around 400 gallons.
The internationally known Highland County Maple Festival is just around the corner; it is coming up on March 11-12 and March 18-19. The Puffenbarger's hope they have more stock to sell this year than they did last year. We will be at Puffenbarger's Sugar Orchard during
the Highland County Maple Festival to pick up jugs of Maple Syrup for our
gift baskets. Of course we'll also be looking forward to haveing some of their famous piping hot Maple Doughnuts
