Can I use sumac as kindling in my evaporator? btw not poison sumac.
Thanks

Don't see why not. I've burned lots of it in fires out back, and cooked s'mores with the kids over it. I Also dye my traps with its bark.

does your evaporator keep the fire separate from the sap , most do , many run on fuel oil even , or propane

as long as the fire stays under the pans it shouldn't be an issue what you burn.

I would think in an open system, that the maple syrup would pick up some flavor from the smoke. Using woods with good flavor seems like a good idea.

I've never burnt sumac. What does the smoke smell like?

Keith

Yes the sap is separate from the fire. Thanks for the tip on the bark. Assuming green bark is better for dying?

I peel the bark in the fall and save it till the next fall. By then it is dry. Never tried it with wet bark but I assume it would be fine. Some people use the "berries" but I had bad luck with too much fuzz sticking to traps even when I put the berries in a sack while boiling.
Fresh sumac bark peels real easily.