food systems research at the uvm proctor maple research center · food systems research at the uvm...
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Food Systems Research
at the
UVM Proctor Maple Research Center
Abby van den Berg,
Research Associate
899-9926
Proctor Maple Research Center
UVM Department of Plant Biology
Basic and applied research:
Maple syrup production
and
Maple tree physiology
1. Maple syrup chemistry and quality
Integrity of maple syrup
characteristic attributes is
essential!
Effects of new technologies
often untested
Impacts of processing technologies on
syrup chemistry and flavor
1. Maple syrup chemistry and quality
Controlled experiments to
test impacts of
technologies on syrup
quality:
Chemical composition
Flavor
Impacts of processing technologies on
syrup chemistry and flavor
Maple Production Research Facility
Food Science: Chemistry, Engineering, Sensory analysis
2. Increasing productivity of maple syrup
production
Innovations to maximize sap yields
Typical yields much lower
than maximum attainable:
0.25 vs. 0.75+ gal/tap
Influences on yields: Vacuum and sap transfer restrictions in
tubing collection system
Microbial contamination
2. Increasing productivity of maple syrup
production
Research:Novel equipment and collection
systems to minimize sap yield loss
from these factors
Innovations to maximize sap yields
Engineering
Microbiology
3. Environmental and management
impacts on the maple resource
Sustainability of maple syrup
production depends on healthy
trees!
Impacts of increased carbohydrate
extraction on tree health
Understand and mitigate effects of
climate change on maple syrup
production
Plant sciences, Forestry and Natural Resources, Geography
Other research emphases:
• Increasing energy efficiency of maple
syrup production
• Food safety and contamination (allergens,
adulteration)
• Bioactive compounds in maple syrup
Engineering, Food chemistry and technology, Microbiology