Black walnuts (Juglans nigra) are a common tree in the Mid-Atlantic region. Most people associate them with the round green nuts that turn black and litter the ground each fall. For many, they are nuisance trees whose nuts aren't worth the effort of cracking the thick shell. However, black walnuts offer a special gift in late winter.

Black walnut syrup is a dark, sweet, earthy delicacy that sells for over $350.00 per gallon. This class will discuss the timing, equipment, and process needed to go from sap to syrup. Participants will have a chance to practice drilling and placing taps, see a simple setup for boiling and filtering, and taste the final product. See below for a more detailed breakdown of class topics with estimated timing:

• 10-10:45am // Tree identification and tapping method: timing, equipment, and troubleshooting (outdoors)
• 11-11:30am // First boil: set-up, equipment, monitoring, evaporation process (outdoors)
• 11:45-12:15pm // Finishing and tasting: second boil, filtering, sampling, Q&A (indoors)

Participants are welcome to bring a lunch and stick around for conversation, further questions, and good company after the program concludes.

NOTE: Since this class utilizes the Horn Farm Center's historic Summer Kitchen, spots are limited due to the small size of the space. Register soon!

This class is being offered in partnership with Happy Hollow Farm, based out of Stewartstown, PA.