From Tap to Table: The Process Behind Organic Maple Syrup in Potter County, PA
When you think maple syrup… you typically think of red, orange, and autumn; hot, sticky pancakes on a cool and crisp morning. However, you don't have to wait for a season to indulge and savor—plus, maple syrup is packed with more than just great flavor! In this week's Refined Media segment, we're introducing you to Graves Maple Products: a fourth-generation, PA Preferred, family-run organic sugarhouse with an important legacy behind their business.
We believe that real food should be just that—real. No shortcuts, no additives—just wholesome products you can trust and feel good about sharing with your own family.
Rooted in Tradition
This family isn't new to the game. They’ve been crafting maple syrup since the late 1800s and working from the same plot of land for just shy of 100 years—located in Shinglehouse, PA, in the heart of Potter County.
Current owners Brandy and Joe have far exceeded the original 1,000 taps and are now managing 10,000, with the help of their kids and family friends.
Tradition is important to the Graves family. And if there's one thing that continues to remain rooted in their legacy, it's their small-batch maple syrup production.
The Process? All-Consuming
From late winter to early spring, those in the maple industry know that it's grind season. That’s when it’s all hands on deck—especially when you’re managing 10,000 taps.
It all starts with tapping trees—and for those wondering, no, it doesn’t harm the tree if done properly. This begins in late winter to catch the first run of sap, which is 98% water and 2% sugar as the trees thaw.
This year, they’ve made upgrades to streamline the process. They've transitioned from buckets to holding tanks using spiles (taps) inserted into each tree and connected to lateral lines—small-diameter tubes that run from tree to tree. These feed into mainlines, larger tubes that carry sap downhill toward a central collection tank.
To boost efficiency, they’ve also installed a digital tracking system to monitor sap flow across the tubing network. These systems combine sensors, data analytics, and real-time alerts to ensure optimal performance throughout the sugaring season.
The Sugarhouse
There’s nothing better than walking into a warm sugarhouse from the cold outdoors, with the aroma of maple surrounding every bit of you.
When the sap starts flowing, the boiling begins. The sap is boiled in large evaporators to remove the water. It takes roughly 40 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of syrup. As the water evaporates, the sap thickens and its sugar concentration increases until it reaches syrup density—66% sugar.
Once it reaches that point, the syrup is filtered to remove sugar sand (natural minerals that form during boiling) and graded based on color and flavor.
Certified Organic in PA
Becoming a certified organic sugarhouse in Pennsylvania is no small feat—it’s a commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality. Graves Maple Products adheres to strict organic farming standards, including chemical-free tree care, sustainable forest management, and clean, non-contaminating production practices. This certification means that every drop of syrup is crafted with care—not just for taste, but for the environment and your well-being.
Pure and Preferred
No additives. No preservatives. No artificial flavorings. Just pure syrup—straight from the tree.
It’s important to know what you're consuming, and it just so happens that this sweet indulgence also offers some impressive health benefits:
Antioxidant-rich: Pure maple syrup contains over 20 different antioxidants, including polyphenols, which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress. (The darker the syrup, the higher the antioxidant level.)
Lower glycemic index: Compared to white sugar, maple syrup causes a slower spike in blood sugar.
More than sugar: Unlike refined sugar, pure maple syrup provides trace minerals and plant compounds, making it a more nutrient-dense sweetener.
Maple What?
Of course, Graves Maple Products offers small-batch, PA Preferred, Organic Maple Syrup—but their offerings go beyond just that. Some of their customers’ most-loved products include:
Maple Sugar
Maple Garlic Seasoning
Cinnamon Maple Sugar
Maple BBQ Sauce
Maple Hot Sauce
Taste Index:
Maple Sugar: A rich and natural sweetener.
Cinnamon Maple Sugar: Deep caramel notes of maple with the cozy spice of cinnamon.
Maple Garlic Seasoning: Flavorful, all-purpose savory blend.
Maple BBQ Sauce: A perfect balance of sweet and smoky.
Maple Hot Sauce: Layers of spice with a maple-sweet finish.
They’ve recently launched their online store, where you can explore a full variety of their offerings. Shop while supplies last at gravesmapleproducts.com and enjoy free shipping on orders of $75 or more!
Working with Refined Media 716
Our partnership with Graves Maple Products began behind the lens—capturing the essence of their fourth-generation sugarhouse through authentic, product-rich photography. But like all great collaborations, it quickly evolved.
Over the past year, Refined Media 716 has worked closely with the Graves family to refine their brand identity, expand their digital presence, and connect with new audiences through intentional marketing campaigns and a newly designed website.
From content creation to campaign strategy, every step has been rooted in honoring the tradition behind their product while building a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Because when a small business does it right, it deserves to be seen—and supported.
