Recent comments in /f/vermont

getthetime t1_j3dbi1c wrote

Reply to comment by Wheres_the_tofu in Consumer Reports says BJ's and Target's brand maple syrup tastes better than Vermont Maple syrup. What say you? by CalicoFlannel

The trees and therefore the sap is all organic, obviously, but the "organic" label w/ maple syrup has to do with the both how the sugarbush is managed and the production after the sap is collected.

For example, to be considered organic, the sugarbush source must have a buffer zone with a specific minimum between it and areas that use pesticides and/or fertilizers. Undergrowth cannot be trimmed (at least within reason, so I understand), and the forest has to have companion species to maples to ensure the long-term health of the forest. Plus I believe there are specific ways the trees need to be tapped to ensure the health of the tree, and the tubing has to be cleaned with organic cleaners, not harsh chemicals.

During the production, organic syrup has to maintain its integrity by not having minerals removed. There are other components too but I can't remember anymore. Read up on it though if you wish, it's kind of interesting. And if you've ever been around large-scale commercial operations (I grew up with family boiling in small sugar shacks and knew people running huge operations) it makes a bit of sense. Technology and the pursuit of efficiency do affect production in ways that a consumer wouldn't really be able to tell. Like, I don't know if it makes a difference whether tubes are cleaned with alcohol or harsh chemicals, and I don't know how much of that gets into my system, but for sake of transparency I guess it's nice to have some insight into how any food item is prepared.

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PolarBlueberry t1_j3dbecp wrote

Reply to Where should I start looking to move? by [deleted]

You really need to add a budget when asking questions like this. Looking for 2+ acres with a good local scene that’s going to welcome in somebody from “away” is asking a lot, especially since we don’t know if your house budget is $250k or $2.5m.

Depending on what’s more important to you, open land, or community you’re going to get very different answers.

As an artists looking to set up a studio and make a living, I would suggest looking further south in the CT River Valley of Massachusetts. Greenfield, Turners Falls, Northampton, Easthampton all have thriving artist communities and the resources to help you get your business running. Western Mass is far more VT like than Boston, but a little more populated. Still plenty of open space, hiking, and farms. These areas are also full of “transplants” since there are major colleges in the areas, so you won’t be looked down on for “being from away, coming up to buy our limited houses that us locals can’t afford to buy anymore”

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jarik1374 t1_j3d8cnl wrote

Reply to comment by molyholycannoli in Are there any good dermatologists in this state? by kittybellyfulloflies

Melanoma runs in my family so I get checked yearly. One of the things I wasn’t expecting when I moved up to Vermont was how difficult it is to get medical care in a timely manner. I live in Burlington and do the drive. My parents don’t live to far away in Quechee, So I do it in the summer and make a trip out of it.

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-_Stove_- t1_j3d2s8v wrote

Reply to Where should I start looking to move? by [deleted]

Suggestion: Search the sub and r/NewToVermont, as the same question has been asked a number of times.

What's your budget? There's a pretty significant housing shortage, so you may way to temper your expectations.

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