Northeast Ohio Maple Syrup Season

Did you know that Ohio is one of the top producers of maple syrup in the country? Ohio consistently ranks 4th or 5th in maple production in the United States, contributing $5 million to the state’s economy. We’ve got all the details on how maple syrup is made and where to find it in Trumbull County.

Whether you’re drizzling it on a stack of hot pancakes, using it as a sweetener in your coffee, or infusing it into a delicious, sweet treat, it’s hard to go wrong with maple syrup.

How (and when) is maple syrup made?

According to the Ohio Maple Producers Association, maple syrup is made in the spring. This is when temperatures rise to above freezing during the day, but stay below freezing at night. Maple producers drill small holes into maple trees that drain a small portion of their sap, which is gathered in buckets or tubing. Excess water is then boiled away in the “sugarhouse,” where the clear sap is turned into the thick golden syrup we know!

The syrup is filtered, bottled, and ready to be sold as an all-natural product. It takes between 43-50 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup. In Northeast Ohio, maple syrup season can vary depending on the weather. In recent years, producers started the “tapping” process in late February and finished at the end of March.

Where does Ohio maple syrup come from?

There are producers throughout the state, including several producers right here in Trumbull County. Trumbull County maple producers include Sutton’s Maple Syrup in Kinsman and Black’s Family Farm in Brookfield Center. The county is also home to many backyard producers who sell their syrup occasionally at roadside stands.

Hopewell Farm in nearby Geauga County is also a big producer—you can find their syrup throughout the region, and feel good knowing that your purchase helps support their resident treatment program for individuals with severe mental illness.

A simmering bottle of Sutton's Maple Syrup made in Kinsman Ohio, sitting in leftover fall leaves by a maple tree.

I have maple trees. Can I make my own syrup?

Yes! (Well…maybe.) Both the Ohio Maple Producers Association and the Ohio State University Extension Office have great information about getting started with backyard maple syrup production. We recommend checking out the local OSU Extension Office for Trumbull County, which offers classes and resources on many topics, including maple syrup production.

I want more maple! Where can I find maple products in Trumbull County?

While the production season for maple syrup may last for only a few weeks, the good news is that maple products can be found year-round in Trumbull County. Here are some of our favorite places to get your maple fix around town:

Syrup and Maple Flavored Treats

Do you really need an excuse to visit End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia? There’s not much this charming general store doesn’t have! Shop around and you’ll find Ohio-made maple syrup, maple flavored treats, and even maple scented candles.

We also recommend checking out Cortland’s B& K Farm Market and the Howland Farmers Market, which takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month. Be sure to visit the Black’s Family Farm booth! There you can find maple marshmallows and lollipops in addition to their maple syrup.

Amish men and local residents socializing inside End of the Commons General Store, a historic landmark in Mesopotamia, Trumbull County, Ohio.

Candy

Sweet Memories Vintage Tees & Candy is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. If you’re looking for something maple flavored, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. If you prefer chocolate, why not check out PMG Chocolatier in Warren? They have a wide variety of flavored chocolates, including—yep, you guessed it—maple.

Coffee and Baked Goods

Maybe you need a little caffeine to go with your maple fix. Cadence Coffeehouse & Creperie in downtown Niles has a great Maple Brown Sugar latte. In Warren, you can’t go wrong with the Mocha House, which has an extensive selection of baked goods and flavors that can be added to your coffee. We’re also fans of Nova Coffee Co., which offers delicious house-made doughnuts in addition to hand poured espresso drinks and other beverages.

Ice Cream

Of course, we can’t talk about Trumbull County without mentioning ice cream. Local favorites Handel’s and Katie’s Korner both offer delicious seasonal maple flavors that we recommended trying. Warren’s own Cockeye Creamery sometimes offers an incredible Maple Walnut flavor (made with real Ohio maple syrup). It’s still too soon to know if that flavor will return this year, but we’ve got our fingers crossed.