How to tap a common tree to make Northwest maple syrup

How to tap a common tree to make Northwest maple syrup

From Peak Northwest by The Oregonian/OregonLive

March 5, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode explores how to tap bigleaf maple trees for syrup in the Pacific Northwest.

It might be a lot easier to do in Vermont, but you can make your very own maple syrup right here in the Pacific Northwest. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the world of bigleaf maple syrup, Oregon and Washington’s spin on the classic treat. Eliza Nelson, founder and director of the Oregon Maple Project, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about bigleaf maple syrup, talks about the joy of watching people discover local-made syrup, and how people can learn how to tap trees in their own backyard. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What’s the difference between bigleaf maple syrup and sugar maple syrup? Why bigleaf syrup isn’t usually put on pancakes. How to tap a bigleaf maple tree for sap. What will it take to get bigleaf maple syrup in grocery stores? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Eliza Nelson

Topics covered

  • bigleaf maple
  • maple syrup
  • tapping trees
  • local food
  • Oregon
  • Washington

Keywords

  • maple syrup
  • bigleaf maple
  • tapping trees
  • Oregon Maple Project
  • local syrup

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Oregon Maple Project

Places: Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Vermont

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