
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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