Introduction
Hey there! I’m Jamie, and I’m excited to take you on a journey through the process of making sorghum syrup. From planting the sorghum seeds to harvesting the crop, keeping aphids at bay, pressing the sorghum, and finally, creating that delicious syrup – we’ll cover it all in this blog post. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of sorghum syrup production.
Planting Sorghum Seeds
Today, we’re planting the Dale variety of sorghum seeds obtained from the Southern Seed Exchange. Using an Earthway garden seeder with a carrot and lettuce plate, we’re all set to plant the sorghum seeds and see how they turn out.
Stages of Sorghum Growth
The sorghum is currently at the boot stage, indicating that the seed head is about to emerge. As we progress into the milk stage, where the seeds appear milky when squeezed, we are just a few days away from transitioning into the soft dough stage.
Harvesting Sorghum
With seven rows of sorghum loaded up on the trailer, it’s time to start the harvesting process. Continuous feeding into the press results in the extraction of sorghum juice, ready to be transformed into syrup.
Pressing the Sorghum
Using a grain maker press with a motor controller setup, pressing a larger quantity of sorghum becomes more efficient. The homemade cooker, equipped with pipe burners and connected to propane tanks, aids in the cooking process.
Making Sorghum Syrup
After simmering the sorghum juice for hours and skimming off impurities, the syrup reaches its desired consistency. With careful monitoring and skimming, the syrup is finally ready for jarring, resulting in delicious and shelf-stable sorghum syrup.
Related Questions
1. How long does it take for sorghum to reach the soft dough stage?
– Sorghum typically transitions into the soft dough stage a few days after reaching the milk stage, where the seeds appear milky when squeezed.
2. What equipment is essential for pressing a large quantity of sorghum?
– A grain maker press with a motor controller setup, as well as a homemade cooker with pipe burners and propane tanks, are essential for pressing and cooking larger quantities of sorghum.
3. Why is skimming important during the sorghum syrup-making process?
– Skimming helps remove impurities and foam that form during the cooking process, resulting in a cleaner and more refined syrup.
4. Is sorghum syrup shelf-stable?
– Yes, sorghum syrup is shelf-stable, unlike jams or jellies that require sealing. Once cooled and jarred, sorghum syrup can be stored at room temperature.
5. How many pint jars of sorghum syrup were produced in the video?
– The process yielded seven pint jars of fine sorghum syrup, showcasing the sweet and flavorful outcome of the laborious production process.