Sorghum syrup cooking done

Richard G. · Nov 3, 2013

Some photos of 2013 syrup cooking yesterday. First pic is one I put on earlier when I was worried about storms blowing it down. Other pics are of the operation from squeezing the cane to cooking the final product. Had lots of family and friends over. Some from Tennessee, one from Washington state, one from Australia.
We made about 14 gallons. That should be enough for at least a couple of biscuits. LOL
I am so tired and sore this morning I can hardly move. Been doing this for 35 years.
Don't know if I will have the energy to do it next year.
Richard in NW SC

Gerald Slaton · Nov 3, 2013

Does it taste anything like cane syrup.I am tired of everything being corn syrup.

Richard G. · Nov 3, 2013

It is cane syrup.
One more pic of the rig the morning after. I built this from an old Chattanooga #14 mule drawn mill using parts from an Oliver hay baler, a rear axle from an old Thunderbird, sprockets and chain from an old Honda bike, and pulley and bearings from the old local cotton gin.
The 42 H never missed a beat.
Richard in NW SC

Harold Hubbard · Nov 3, 2013

When I looked at the first picture, I wondered how you sneaked the belt through the cultivator. The last one cleared that up.

The evaporator looks a lot like the ones we use for Maple syrup.

730-LP · Nov 3, 2013

Don't you strip the foder off?makes it better when you do

Kevin S SC · Nov 3, 2013

Our family does it every year Saturday after Thanksgiving. My cousin has quite a set up. Electric motor strait on the press, and a pump piped from the catch barrel to the pot. Flip a switch, grind cane, flip another switch, juice is in the pot. This is sugar cane not sure if it's the same.(?)

Richard G. · Nov 3, 2013

Yes, we strip it. It will heat if stacked very long with the leaves on it. Without the leaves, I have kept it stacked for weeks.
Richard

Richard G. · Nov 3, 2013

Nope sugar cane is a different plant from sorghum.
Richard

ShadetreeRet · Nov 3, 2013

I know there is a lot of hard work involved. I helped a friend strip a field one year, but didn't get back for the cooking. But,in spite of the work, I know many, as you did, turn it into a social event also with friends and relatives helping out.
We need more of that in this world.

buickanddeere · Nov 4, 2013

Isn"t sorghum, sugarcane and corn all related?

buickanddeere · Nov 4, 2013

Is the resulting syrup similar to molasses , corn syrup, maple syrup or what? Light or dark coloured?

Richard G. · Nov 4, 2013

It is dark honey color and is milder in taste than molasses.
Richard

Sorghum syrup cooking done

Richard G.

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Richard G.

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730-LP

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