Hanna Instruments Maple Syrup Grading Portable Photometer

The HI96759 Maple Syrup portable photometer is used to measure the transmittance of light in order to determine the grade of the syrup. The HI96759 combines accuracy and ease of use in an ergonomic, portable design that ends the days of judging color by "eye". Hanna's portable photometers feature an advanced optical system; the combination of a special tungsten lamp, a narrow band interference filter, and silicon photodetector ensure accurate photometric readings every time.
When choosing a maple syrup, it is important to consider its clarity along with color and taste. A light, clear syrup has a high level of quality and is indicative of a very pure product; a dark, cloudy syrup is less desirable, owing to the presence of impurities and suspended solids. In Canada and the United States, maple syrup is classified into different standards based on color and clarity. Lighter, clearer syrups are produced earlier in the season while darker syrups are produced later in the season. The lightest grade is characterized by its very pale color and has a light transmittance equal to or greater than 75%. The darkest grade has a light transmittance of less than 25%. The grade of maple syrup can be determined by using color comparators or by an instrument that measures how much light is transmitted through the syrup at a particular wavelength.