Maple syrup producers were unhappy with last week’s balmy temperatures, which slowed the flow of sap into both old fashioned buckets and modern collection systems. Experts tell us that frosty nights and warm days are the right combination for top production.

The weather this March has been less than optimum for stimulating the hydraulic system of Acer saccharum. And that’s all the more reason to participate in this weekend’s Maine Maple Sunday (observed by some producers on Saturday, some on Sunday, and some on both days).

In good years and bad, maple syrup will be at its freshest and most abundant in March. Demand is always high and there is only a brief window of opportunity to buy the products of most local producers.

For Maine consumers, maple products fit in with current environmental preferences. It’s a food produced without additives and close to home. Most syrup is produced on a modest scale and isn’t shipped any farther than from the sugar house to the roadside stand.

Sugar maples, like all trees, reduce the greenhouse effect by pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

There’s more than enough justification for satisfying a sweet tooth, and enjoying a pleasant outing. Most farmers have some sort of program planned, including pancake breakfasts, demonstrations and free samples.

In York County, 10 producers are participating. The list is available online at www.getrealmaine.com and at our Web site, www.journaltribune.com.