Warming the November Chill

After a late first frost, the weather seems to be making a steady turn toward cooler temperatures, complete with the occasional snowflake. The team is busy expanding the system of lines in the forest, and this has us excited for the 2026 season. As an artisanal producer, we are focussing on craft more than quantity, meaning we are growing organically in synch with the demand for our specialty creations. If you've been reading along over the years, you'll know that we are stewarding around 20,000 tappable

sugar maple trees, but we're only tapping a fraction of them as we slowly grow a craft following. Why scar a tree if the gifts given therefrom aren't being fully appreciated? Zoar Tapatree remains the only craft maple syrup maker dedicated to Whole Maple, terroir, and elevating both for the distinguished maple connoisseur. (We know most of you would reject the connoisseur label, but you would likely take on the mantle of "First Rate Maple Fan." We love all of you!) There are several syrups on the shelf at Tapatree.com for your holiday shopping lists! Although the ever-popular Mini Sets come and go, we will try to add some tasting bottles to the inventory for your stocking-stuffing and other holiday needs!

And speaking of needs, as the days get darker we find ourselves reaching for the flavor of Tapatree Fruit Pastes and Shrubs to add a little zip to charcuterie snacking and fireside sipping! Both add a layer of flavor and conjure memories of fruit season. The popular Solstice Shrub is restocked, as is Sour Cherry. Add a shot to your favorite liquors, or in a hot tea to make a virgin hot toddy! Saffron fan? Try our Saffron Ximénez Shrub or companion Saffron Ximénez Fruit Paste to elevate a slice of spiced meat, cheese, or warm corn bread. And for our asparagus lovers, Paul's Asparagus Tips & Confetti are available again online! The biggest challenge with the asparagus, per our clients, is that once the jar is opened it is very difficult to put down a fork!

Do you have Tapatree on your Thanksgiving menu? We will have some late batches of Whole Maple on the cheese plate, in the pecan and pumpkin pies, and the wild foraged Tapatree Honey will be in this delicious little number: Roasted yam with cranberry, pecan honey compote! This is a very easy recipe

which can be assembled in many different ways. Basically, roast your yams and then slice them into hearty circles about 3/4 inch thick. Then take some dehydrated cranberries and plump them up with a little cider or water. Mix them with some chopped pecan or whatever nut you have on hand. Stir in Tapatree Honey, then top each sliced yam with a spoonful of compote and finish with a scant sprinkle of flaked salt. Pop back into the oven to get everything all toasty, and plate for the table! The result is a super flavorful bite that fits perfectly on a busy plate. No cranberries on hand? Substitute a Tapatree Fruit Paste (Peach Champagne, Strawberry Balsamic, Sour Cherry Shiso, Mélange à Trois, Saffron Ximénez, or Solstice), and reduce the honey to taste!

As this season of gratitude and hope opens, may you already have some residual supply to grow anew. Look to the community to lift one another up, particularly those who may be without or struggling with fear and uncertainty. And shop small, Farm Fam! Let's all look to artisans, farmers, small shop owners, and other "real people" who are committed to serving society as we prepare for the holidays. It makes a difference on many levels to invest in real community. And what better gift could there be than a gift of Tapatree?

Okay, time to go start holiday food preparations! We are deeply grateful for each of you! May Thanksgiving be a safe and warm launch into the winter holiday season~